Removal from the small intestine of tubercle bacilli by macrophages in the guinea pig.

Abstract

The present study was arranged to test the reaction of the intestinal cell barrier toward the presence of chromogenic, acid-fast bacteria. The bacilli were introduced into the alimentary tract through a modified stomach tube. It was found that these bacterial forms were transported by macrophages through the columnar epithelium, within one to two hours following the test feeding. No other cellular elements such as neutrophils or columnar epithelial cells were observed in association with this process.