A comparison of the phagocytic and bactericidal ability of guinea pig alveolar and mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Abstract

SUMMARYA comparison has been made of the phagocytic and bactericidal abilities of macrophages washed out from guinea pig lung and mouse peritoneum. Cells from both sources were shown to be phagocytic but lung macrophages possessed relatively little bactericidal power. A new quantitative technique for measuring these aspects of cell function is described. Studies designed to assess respiration rate and acid phosphatase levels showed both to be highest in lung macrophages. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.