Effects of Various Antisera on the Morphology, Phagocytic Ability, and Metabolism of Guinea-Pig Peritoneal Macrophages

Abstract

Antisera to peritoneal macrophages (AMS), pulmonary macrophages, lymphocytes (ALS), and renal tissue were produced by injection of suspensions of guinea-pig cells into rabbits. All four antisera produced identical changes in peritoneal macrophages. Morphologic observations revealed agglutination and loss of ability to adhere to glass at low concentrations (0.2%–2%) and vacuolization with cell death at high concentrations of antisera (l0%). The stages of attachment and ingestion were prolonged by exposure to 1%–2% antiserum, and it became possible to distinguish between them. Metabolic studies revealed that low concentrations of antiserum stimulated consumption of oxygen and hexose-monophosphate-shunt (HMS) activity without significantly affecting production of lactate; these metabolic changes were similar to those during phagocytosis. High concentrations of antiserum inhibited metabolic activity. When macrophages were exposed to 1%–2% AMS, increased HMS activity during phagocytosis appeared to occur during attachment rather than ingestion. Absorption of antisera with macrophages, lymphocytes, or renal tissue abolished antimacrophage effects. Antilymphocyte effects of ALS were not absorbed by exposure to macrophages. Immunosuppression produced by ALS may result from antimacrophage as well as antilymphocyte effects.