Chemotactic Activity and Phagocytosis of Eosinophils.

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Abstract
Phase contrast preparations were made from cells of an inflammatory exudate in Adult C57 B1/6 mice immunized and challenged with tetanus toxoid. The type of cells in the exudate varied, depending upon the length of time between the injection and autopsy. Many neutrophils were observed in preparations obtained during the first 24 hours, following which they decreased to less than 1% of the total cell population. As the neutrophils disappeared, the proportion of eosinophils increased until by the 4th day, they amounted to 30 to 50% of the cells. The eosinophils appeared to have a strong chemotactic attraction to certain lymphocytes, macro-phages and mesothelial cells. The accumulation of eosinophils around specific cells was followed by a rupture of the cell membrane and a penetration of the eosinophils into the cells. Beginning on or about the 4th day of inflammation the eosinophilotactic activity diminished and phagocytosis of eosinophils by viable macrophages was observed. It was suggested that these cellular interactions were related to sensitization and immunity and that eosinophils may transfer material from cells injured by antigen to macrophages capable of taking part in the immune response.