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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Isolation of Murine Peritoneal Macrophages to Carry Out Gene Expression Analysis Upon Toll-like Receptors Stimulation
Published on: April 29, 2015
[Functional activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages contaminated with gram-positive bacteria]
Abstract:
The analysis of the functional and enzymatic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes virulent strains is presented. The low bactericidal and digestive activity of these cells with respect to the above-mentioned microorganisms was determined. In this study a decrease in the activity of plasmatic membrane enzymes (5'-nucleotidase and ATP-ase) of macrophages contaminated with S. aureus and L. monocytogenes was observed, which was indicative of the stimulation of phagocytes. A rise in the activity of the oxygen-dependent system of macrophages contaminated with S. aureus and L. monocytogenes was detected by means of the nitro blue tetrazolium test. At the same time a decrease in the intracellular content of nitrogen oxide end metabolites in macrophages was detected with a rise in content of nitrogen oxide in the supernatants.
Insights
Mouse macrophages infected with Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes showed reduced bactericidal activity. Enzyme analysis revealed decreased membrane activity but increased oxygen-dependent systems, indicating complex cellular responses to bacterial contamination.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in phagocytosis and pathogen clearance.
- Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes are significant bacterial pathogens.
- Understanding macrophage response to infection is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose:
- To analyze the functional and enzymatic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages upon contamination with virulent Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes strains.
- To investigate the impact of these bacteria on macrophage bactericidal and digestive functions.
- To assess changes in specific enzymatic activities and metabolic pathways within infected macrophages.
Summary:
- Infection with Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes led to decreased bactericidal and digestive activity in mouse peritoneal macrophages.
- A reduction in plasmatic membrane enzyme activity (5'-nucleotidase and ATP-ase) was observed, suggesting phagocyte stimulation.
- The oxygen-dependent system showed increased activity (nitro blue tetrazolium test), while intracellular nitrogen oxide metabolites decreased with a rise in supernatant nitrogen oxide.
Impact:
- This study elucidates the complex interplay between macrophages and bacterial pathogens, revealing altered enzymatic and metabolic functions during infection.
- Findings provide insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying immune evasion by Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes.
- The results contribute to a better understanding of macrophage dysfunction in bacterial infections, potentially guiding future therapeutic interventions.
