Characteristics of cells present in peritoneal fluids of mice injected intraperitoneally with Bordetella pertussis

Infection and Immunity
|January 1, 1976
PubMed

Insights

Bordetella pertussis and E. coli injections alter immune cell behavior in mice. These bacteria reduce the ability of peritoneal cells, particularly macrophages, to adhere to surfaces, indicating a functional change.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The intraperitoneal administration of various substances, including Bordetella pertussis vaccine, can elicit an immune response in mice.
  • Understanding the cellular dynamics and functional changes in peritoneal fluid following such stimuli is crucial for immunology research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Bordetella pertussis vaccine and other agents on peritoneal fluid leukocytes in mice.
  • To analyze changes in total leukocyte count, differential cell populations, and glass adherence properties.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were injected intraperitoneally with Bordetella pertussis vaccine, heated vaccine, bacterial extracts, killed Escherichia coli, or thioglycolate medium.
  • Peritoneal fluids were collected 1-2 days post-injection and analyzed for total cell counts and differential leukocyte percentages.
  • The percentage of cells adhering to glass cover slips during a 2-hour incubation period was determined.

Main Results:

  • All tested substances increased peritoneal leukocyte counts, primarily due to influxes of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
  • B. pertussis primarily increased mononuclear cells, while E. coli increased neutrophils.
  • Peritoneal cells from mice injected with B. pertussis or E. coli showed significantly reduced glass adherence.

Conclusions:

  • B. pertussis and E. coli alter the functional characteristics of peritoneal leukocytes, specifically their adherence properties, rather than suppressing emigration.
  • Macrophages appear to be more involved in these functional alterations than polymorphonuclear cells.
  • The histamine-sensitizing factor in B. pertussis preparations strongly influences these adherence changes.

Related Concept Videos