Ingestion and digestion of erythocytes by non-irradiated and irradiated macrophages
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Abstract:
The effect of X-rays (1300 R) and gamma irradiation (3000 R) on phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages cultivated in vitro was studied using human glutaraldehyde-fixed red blood cells. The peroxidative activity of haemoglobin was cytochemically detected by the DAB method. The obtained results indicate that the applied dose of X-irradiation does not affect the phagocytic activity of macrophages. On the contrary, the gamma irradiation (3000 R) causes acceleration of phagocytic activity of macrophages with concomitant impairment of intracellular digestion of ingested material. Weakened cytochemical reaction for acid phosphatase suggests that sufficiently high doses of irradiation cause some disturbances in the biosynthesis of lysosomal enzymes in exposed macrophages.
Insights
X-rays did not alter mouse macrophage phagocytosis, but gamma irradiation accelerated it, impairing digestion. High-dose irradiation may disrupt lysosomal enzyme synthesis in macrophages.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Radiation Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Phagocytosis is a key immune mechanism.
- Ionizing radiation effects on immune cells are complex.
- Macrophages play a crucial role in innate immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of X-ray and gamma irradiation on macrophage phagocytic activity.
- To assess the effect of irradiation on intracellular digestion.
- To examine potential disturbances in lysosomal enzyme activity post-irradiation.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cultivation of mouse peritoneal macrophages.
- Assay of phagocytic activity using glutaraldehyde-fixed red blood cells.
- Cytochemical detection of peroxidative activity of hemoglobin (DAB method).
- Assessment of acid phosphatase activity.
Main Results:
- X-irradiation (1300 R) showed no significant effect on macrophage phagocytic activity.
- Gamma irradiation (3000 R) significantly accelerated phagocytic activity.
- Gamma irradiation impaired intracellular digestion of ingested material.
- Weakened acid phosphatase activity suggested impaired lysosomal enzyme biosynthesis.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage phagocytic activity is differentially affected by X-ray and gamma irradiation.
- High-dose gamma irradiation enhances phagocytosis but compromises digestion and lysosomal function.
- Irradiation-induced disturbances in lysosomal enzyme biosynthesis may impact macrophage function.