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Published on: September 5, 2013
Conservation of bactericidal activity in ultrasound-exposed murine peritoneal phagocytic cells
S S Prohaska1, V G Rimer, D Tusé
1Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
Abstract:
Murine peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), predominantly macrophages, were insonated in vitro with burst-mode ultrasound and assayed for their ability to phagocytose and kill Staphylococcus aureus. PEC were exposed at 37 degrees C in rotating tubes to 1-MHz, burst-mode (10 ms on, 10 ms off) ultrasound at 3.7 +/- 0.2 W/cm2 ISPTA (7.4 +/- 0.4 W/cm2 ISPBA) for 150 s. Bactericidal activity was assayed at 1, 2, and 3 h after exposure and subsequent 37 degrees C incubation with the bacteria for 20 min. In these experiments, which comprised 17 treated and 7 sham-treated control samples, there was no significant difference in results between treated and control samples (p > 0.29).
Insights
Burst-mode ultrasound did not enhance the ability of murine macrophages to kill Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Further research is needed to explore ultrasound
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biophysics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in phagocytosis and killing of bacteria.
- Ultrasound therapy is being explored for various medical applications, including antimicrobial effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of burst-mode ultrasound on the bactericidal activity of murine peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) against Staphylococcus aureus.
Main Methods:
- Murine PECs, primarily macrophages, were exposed to 1-MHz burst-mode ultrasound (10 ms on/off) at 3.7 W/cm² ISPTA for 150 seconds.
- Bactericidal activity was assessed by incubating sonicated PECs with Staphylococcus aureus for 20 minutes, followed by incubation at 37°C for 1-3 hours.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in the phagocytosis or killing of Staphylococcus aureus between ultrasound-treated PECs and sham-treated control samples (p > 0.29).
- The study included 17 treated and 7 control samples, indicating a robust experimental design.
Conclusions:
- In vitro exposure to burst-mode ultrasound at the tested parameters does not enhance the bactericidal capacity of murine macrophages against Staphylococcus aureus.
- Further investigation into different ultrasound parameters or cell types may be warranted to explore potential therapeutic applications.
