Ultrastructural localization of NADPH-oxidase activity in murine peritoneal macrophages during phagocytosis ofBrucella

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Abstract
The localization of the enzyme NADPH oxidase in mouse peritoneal macrophages unstimulated or after phagocytosis ofBruceila suis was investigated by electron microscopy in normal mice and mice immunized againstB. suis. The enzyme was clearly visualized on mitochondrial cristae, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and the plasma membrane; its activity correlated mainly with the state of the endoplasmic reticulum which itself reflected macrophage activation. The enzyme turn-over appeared to be accelerated after phagocytosis; the phagosome mambrane was seldom stained by the enzyme reaction. These macrophages were also examined for the production of super-oxide anions in vitro, either unstimulated or after phagocytosis. Phagocytosis increased the production of Superoxide anions, especially in immunized animals. These results are discussed with regard to the role that the products of oxidative metabolism play in the inactivation of bacteria by phagocytic cells.