Phenotyping of beluga whale blood lymphocytes using monoclonal antibodies.

Widespread efforts are currently made to classify morphologically indistinguishable lymphocyte subpopulations in several species. In order to increase the knowledge in cetacean immunology, cross-reactivity of antibodies against bovine, human, ovine and mouse cell surface proteins was tested on beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) peripheral blood lymphocytes using flow cytometry. Anti-MHC class I and II as well as anti-CD2 reacted with virtually all peripheral blood lymphocytes. Anti-TCR gamma delta and anti-CD4 reacted with respectively 31% and 30% of peripheral blood lymphocytes. B lymphocytes were identified by an anti-surface IgM which was present on 6% of blood lymphocytes. Specificity of these antibodies was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of beluga proteins with similar molecular weight to that of other species. These results could be useful for further immunotoxicological evaluation of highly versus mildly contaminated populations of belugas.