PHAGOCYTOSIS AND INTRACELLULAR PROLIFERATION OF NOCARDIA ASTEROIDES (STRAIN WEIPHELD) IN CELL STRUCTURES INVITRO .1. ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES OF GUINEA-PIGS

Abstract

Phagocytosis and intracellular proliferation of N. asteroides strain Weipheld were studied in alveolar macrophages from normal guinea pigs immunized in 2 stages and guinea pigs subjected to long-term cortisone treatment (23 mg/kg per day for 30 days). The highest phagocytosis values were found in guinea-pigs immunized in 2 stages (3.85-6.82%). In the case of normal macrophages, values of 2.90-4.95% were observed. The lowest values (2.10-3.6%) were found for macrophages from guinea pigs treated with hydrocortisone. Differences between the groups were statistically significant. Following phagocytosis, the phagocytosis index rose in all 3 groups, reaching its highest values for alveolar macrophages from the cortisone-treated guinea pigs (after 8 h, 1.15). Cytotoxic effects of Nocardia on cells in lung washing liquid from normal guinea pigs immunized in 2 steps and guinea pigs treated with high cortisone doses over an extended period exhibited identical trends. After 8 h exposure, 22.6% dead and decayed cells were found, compared to 5.9% in normal controls. Leukocytes proved most susceptible to the cytotoxic effect of Nocardia; alveolar macrophages were less susceptible and small lymphocytes were least susceptible.