Time-lapse microphotography was used to film the locomotory behaviour of cockroach haemocytes in vitro, and the cell tracks were analysed for speed and persistence; the percentage mobilization and the diffusion rate of the population were calculated. Haemocytes are either fast locomotor or spread moving cells, or non-motile spread or rounded cells; the first three types are plasmatocytes and their behaviour is interchangeable. Approximately 20% of the cells are motile under control conditions and there is no correlation between orthokinesis and klinokinesis. If activated haemocyte lysate supernatant (HLS), a source of components of the prophenoloxidase enzyme sequence, is added to the cell monolayer, up to 80% of the cells switch to fast locomotor behaviour, rounding up and moving faster and for longer in straight lines. Neither heat-inactivated HLS nor zymosan supernatant, used to activate HLS, had any effect. If the chemokinins present in activated HLS are also released in vivo on haemocyte activation or during cuticular wounding, then they and the induced changes in haemocyte adhesion could contribute to haemocyte recruitment to sites of infection.
Chemokinetic behaviour of insect haemocytes in vitro
G.B. Takle, A.M. Lackie; Chemokinetic behaviour of insect haemocytes in vitro. J Cell Sci 1 September 1986; 85 (1): 85–94. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.85.1.85
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
JCS Journal Meeting 2023: Imaging Cell Dynamics

Our 2023 Journal Meeting on ‘Imaging Cell Dynamics’ will be held from 14-17 May 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Due to popular demand, we can currently only accept applications for online attendance. Apply now to attend this meeting virtually. Registration deadline: 31 March.
Call for papers: Cell and Tissue Polarity
-PolarityCFP.png?versionId=4696)
We are welcoming submissions for our next special issue, which will focus on ‘Cell and tissue polarity’ and will be guest edited by David Bryant. Submission deadline: 15 July.
Editorial: Publishing where it matters
Editor-in-Chief Michael Way outlines Journal of Cell Science’s plans for the upcoming year and introduces Seema Grewal as our new Executive Editor.
preLights 5th Birthday webinar

preLights, our preprint highlighting service, is celebrating its 5th birthday this year. To mark the occasion, join us online on 14 March 2023 at 16:00 GMT for a discussion, led by four preLights alumni, on how to identify and navigate the challenges and opportunities while shaping your career as an early-career researcher.
Cell Scientists to Watch

As a community-focused journal, Journal of Cell Science is keen to support the next generation of cell biologists. Check out Cell Scientists to Watch, our interview series featuring talented researchers who have recently set up their own labs.