Effects of temperature on phagocytosis in Homarus americanus

Phagocytosis constitutes the primary defense mechanism in decapod crustaceans. In this study, monolayers of hemocytes of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, were allowed to phagocytize a strain of Aerococcus viridans. This system was used to investigate the effects of temperature on in vitro phagocytosis. The results indicated a marked decrease in percent phagocytosis at 22°C and above. As this primary response was rendered less efficient at higher temperatures, culture of Homarus americanus at elevated temperatures was cautioned.