Modulation of J774.1 macrophage L-arginine metabolism by intracellular Mycobacterium bovis BCG

Using a Mycobacterium bovis BCG mutant (AS1) lacking a Bacillus subtilis L-arginine transporter homolog, we demonstrate here that the interaction between intracellular mycobacteria and the macrophage with respect to L-arginine transport and metabolism is quite complex. Intracellular AS1 stimulates macrophage L-arginine transport and accumulates 2.5-fold more (3)H label derived from L-arginine than does the wild type. These studies suggest that the accumulation of (3)H label reflects the acquisition of metabolites of L-arginine produced by the macrophage.