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Response of peritoneal cells to horseradish peroxidase and aldehyde-fixed erythrocytes in the mouse: an electron
Abstract:
In adult dd-mice, response of peritoneal free cells to either horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or glutaraldehyde-fixed erythrocytes were examined by electron microscopy. As reported previously (ABE et al., 1979), peritoneal free cells are classified into three types: type I, II and III cells. Type I cells are small lymphocytes, type II cells are medium-sized mononuclear cells, and type III cells are macrophages. The amount of HRP taken up is very large in type III cells. The cells contain numerous vacuoles filled with HRP. Type I and II cells also have vesicles containing HRP. The vesicles are fewer in type I cells than in type II. Type III cells rapidly enclose erythrocytes by thin cytoplasmic flaps and then ingest several erythrocytes. In type III cells, a labyrinth of ramifying tubes seen in the peripheral cytoplasm may serve as a reserve of the membrane system for allowing a rapid coverage and internalization of large foreign materials. A part of type II cells attach to erythrocytes and take them by a varying depth of invagination. Type I cells do not respond to erythrocytes at all. In conclusion, the three types of peritoneal cells can be differentiated by their response to foreign materials as well as by their cytologic features.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed distinct responses of mouse peritoneal free cells to foreign materials. Macrophages (type III) efficiently engulf horseradish peroxidase and erythrocytes, unlike lymphocytes (type I) and mononuclear cells (type II).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Peritoneal free cells in adult dd-mice play a crucial role in immune surveillance.
- Previous studies classified these cells into types I (small lymphocytes), II (medium mononuclear cells), and III (macrophages).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential responses of peritoneal free cell types to foreign materials using electron microscopy.
- To correlate cellular morphology with phagocytic activity.
Main Methods:
- Adult dd-mice were utilized for cell isolation.
- Peritoneal free cells were exposed to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and glutaraldehyde-fixed erythrocytes.
- Cellular uptake and interaction were analyzed via electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Type III cells (macrophages) demonstrated extensive uptake of HRP, forming numerous HRP-filled vacuoles.
- Type III cells rapidly ingested multiple erythrocytes via cytoplasmic flaps, with peripheral tubular systems aiding internalization.
- Type II cells showed partial attachment and ingestion of erythrocytes through invagination, while type I cells did not interact with erythrocytes.
Conclusions:
- The three distinct types of peritoneal cells exhibit characteristic cytologic features and differential responses to foreign materials like HRP and erythrocytes.
- Electron microscopy effectively differentiates peritoneal cell types based on their phagocytic capabilities and morphological adaptations.