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Comparative effects of UVA and UVB irradiation on the immune system of fish
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Abstract
Aquatic organisms can be harmed by the current levels of solar ultraviolet radiation.
We have recently shown that exposure of fish to UVB irradiation alters the functioning
of the fish immune system, but the effects of UVA radiation are unknown. The present
study continues this work by characterizing UVA irradiation-induced immunological
changes in fish. Roach, a cyprinid fish, were exposed to a single dose of either UVA
(3.6 J/cm2) or UVB (0.5 J/cm2) irradiation. Both irradiations suppressed transiently
mitogen-stimulated proliferation of blood lymphocytes. UVA, but not UVB, decreased
hematocrit, plasma protein, and plasma immunoglobulin levels and increased the proportions
of blood cells classified as unidentified leukocytes, possibly consisting of UVA-damaged
lymphocytes. UVB, but not UVA, altered the functioning of head kidney and blood phagocytes,
induced granulocytosis and lymphocytopenia in the blood and increased plasma cortisol
concentration. These results imply that both UVA and UVB are potent modulators of
the immune defence of fish.