The Application of Erythrocyte Rosette Test to Characterize T-Like Lymphocytes in the Mud Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

55 ABSTRACT The Erythrocyte rosette test, a technique used to characterize T-lymphocytes using sheep red blood cells was evaluated to demonstrate T-like lymphocytes sub-population in the peripheral blood of the mud catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Forty eight young adult mud catfish weighing between 100-150g each were used in the study. The effects of thymectomy and injected anti lymphocyte serum on the degree of erythrocyte rosette formation were assessed. Rosette of sheep red blood cells around the mud catfish lymphocytes were observed in all experimental groups. The numbers of rosette formed were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the untreated group as compared to the treated group.