Studies on the phagocytic potential of secretory epithelial cells in experimental mastitis

Abstract

Ultrastructural and associated studies were made on the phagocytic potential of secretory epithelial cells of the mammary gland, by means of the mouse mastitis model. Phagocytosis of viable bacteria was observed as early as 5 h after intramammary inoculation. The secretory epithelial cells of mammary glands inoculated during the involution phase also demonstrated this phagocytic potential. Glutaraldehyde-killed streptococci, staphylococci and E. coli were also phagocytosed by secretory cells. This phagocytic potential of cells whose primary function is secretory is of fundamental interest; it should be considered in relation to the pathogenesis of mastitis and to infections across other epithelia.