INFLAMMATORY-LIKE REACTION IN THE TUNIC OF<i>CIONA INTESTINALIS</i>(TUNICATA). I. ENCAPSULATION AND TISSUE INJURY

Abstract

Particulate (sheep erythrocytes, ascidian oocytes, stromata, colloidal carbon) or soluble agents (bovine serum albumin or hemoglobin, hemocyanin) were injected in varying doses into the tunic of Ciona intestinalis. This ascidian reacted by producing a capsule and/or tissue injury. Statistical analysis suggests that the two phenomena are independent, probably related to the nature and dose of the irritant. Light histological observations showed granulocyte degranulation in the damaged tissue, suggesting that an acute inflammatory-like process is involved in the tunic reaction.