Studies on the immune system of the goby, Zosterisessor ophiocephalus, from the Venice Lagoon

Gobies, Zosterisessor ophiocephalus, were collected from four sites: Crevan (reference site), Lio Grande, Torcello and Porto Marghera (industrial site) during April, June and October 1992. Spleen and kidney somatic indices, percentage phagocytosis and phagocytic indices of spleen and kidney adherent cells, and differential blood cell counts were recorded. Significant differences were found in spleen somatic index, percentage phagocytosis and differential blood cell counts in fish collected from the polluted site at Porto Marghera in comparison with the other sites.