PINOCYTOSIS OF PROTEINS BY OYSTER LEUCOCYTES, , ,

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Abstract
In vivo and in vitro studies indicated that bovine hemoglobin, diphtheria antiserum, rhodamine-labelled human gamma globulin, human albumin fraction V and Limulus serum proteins were pinocytosed by oyster leucocytes. The presence of the various proteins within the leucocytes was detected by visual inspection of the washed sedimented leucocytes, serological techniques and fluorescence microscopy. When the proteins were injected into the living oyster via the ventricular route, they were readily removed by migration of protein-laden leucocytes through epithelial surfaces to the exterior. The rate of in vitro uptake of rhodamine-labelled human gamma globulin by the leucocytes was a function of the ambient temperature and the concentration of the protein solution in which the leucocytes were bathed.