Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium offers immunological testing for both routine analysis and research projects.

For further information or to submit samples please contact:

Tracy Romano, PhD
Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic CT 06355
Phone: 860-572-5955 x 102
Fax: 860-572-5972
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Available Tests:

Immunophenotyping: T helper cells, MHC class II, B cells

Procedure: Lymphoid cells are labeled with antibodies to dolphin CD4 or CD8. The percentage of cells expressing these molecules is measured by flow cytometry

Samples accepted: dolphin whole blood; 1-2 sodium heparin 10ml vacutainer tube

Sample storage: 4°C; sample must be shipped on day of collection

Sample shipment: ship overnight on day of collection on ice

Test days: when sufficient numbers of samples are received

Minimum Test time: 3 days

Phagocytosis/Respiratory Burst

Procedure: Phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity of granulocytes and monocytes are measured using propidium iodide labeled, heat-killed S. aureus coupled with a cell-permeant indicator for reactive oxygen species and subsequent analysis by flow cytometry.

Samples accepted: cetacean whole blood; 1 sodium heparin 10ml vacutainer tube

Sample storage: 4°C; sample must be shipped on day of collection

Sample shipment: ship overnight on day of collection on ice

Test days: upon receipt of samples

Minimum Test time: 2 days

Lymphocyte Proliferation:

Procedure: BrdU is incorporated into cytokine-stimulated lymphocytes and measured by an ELISA assay. Lymphocyte proliferation is proportional to the amount of BrdU incorporated into the DNA of cytokine-stimulated cells as compared to unstimulated control cells.

Samples accepted: cetacean whole blood; 2 sodium heparin 10ml vacutainer tubes

Sample storage: 4°C; sample must be shipped on day of collection

Sample shipment: ship overnight on day of collection on ice

Test days: when sufficient numbers of samples are received

Minimum Test time: 3 days

DISCLAIMER
These are research-based tests that are currently under development and validation. Therefore, the results of these assays should be interpreted with caution. Performance characteristics of these assays have not yet been determined under all conditions and clinical circumstances. It is up to the discretion of each submitting facility to decide how to use the results of these tests.