The immune response of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), skin to high water temperature

The immune responses of mucus from the skin of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, were studied in relation to changing water temperature. Groups of fish were exposed to a programmed increase of 3 degrees C per 48 h, until the experimental water temperatures of 16, 20, 23, 25, 27 or 28 degrees C were reached. After 48 h at the relevant temperature, the expressions of immune-related factors were determined, including immunoglobulin M (IgM), IL-1 beta, hepcidin, transferrin, lysozyme, acid/alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase using RT-PCR and spectrophotometric methods. Significant changes in mucus immunity were observed, which paralleled with those previously reported for serum in other fish species. Hence, it is suggested that the serum and mucus immune system of turbot have a similar regulatory system. This information could be useful in better understanding the role of the mucus as a component of the innate immune system.