MECHANISM OF PHAGOCYTOSIS OF MYCOBACTERIA BY SCHWANN-CELLS AND THEIR COMPARISON WITH MACROPHAGES

  • 1 June 1986
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 54  (2) , 294-299
Abstract
Factors influencing the phagocytosis of mycobacteria by 33B rat Schwannoma cells and rat peritoneal macrophages were studied. Uptake of 14C-acetate-labeled Mycobacterium w by these cells was used to set up a radiometric phagocytosis assay. Incubtion at 4.degree. C and treatment with sodium azide (0.2% to 1%), colchicine (10-7 to 10-3 M), cytochalasin B (0.2 .mu.g/ml to 25 .mu.g/ml), and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10-7 to 10-3 M) inhibited the phagocytosis by both cell types in a similar manner. These experiments demonstrate similarities in the mechanism of phagocytosis of mycobacteria by Schwann cells and macrophages.