Phagocytosis by hemocytes of the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria

Large granular hemocytes of Mercenaria mercenaria avidly phagocytose a variety of biological particles (red blood cells of six species, yeast, and gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria) as well as polystyrene spheres. Clam hemolymph is not necessary for phagocytosis but may have some opsonic effect in certain circumstances (e.g., low temperature and low particle density). Formaldehyde treatment of red blood cells enhances susceptibility to phagocytosis. Phagocytosis by Mercenaria hemocytes in vitro appears to be a nonspecific process.