[Functional activity of the peritoneal macrophages in mice with concanavalin A-induced hepatitis]

Hepatitis of T-cell genesis, a model of autoimmune damage of human liver, was caused in mice of CBA line by concanavalin A (Con A). The damage of liver was examined by activities of transaminases (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) and alkaline phosphatase in mice blood plasma. Functional activity of macrophages in peritoneal fluid was studied by examination of phagocytosis of latex particles and oxygen--dependent metabolism (nitro-blue-tetrazolium- test). We demonstrated that a single intravenous injection of Con A in different doses (15 and 30 Mg/kg of body weight) caused acute hepatic damage in 20 hours. Weakening of macrophage functional activities may be one of the reasons of decrease in dead cells elimination following induction of immune hepatitis, it may support inflammatory reaction and promote the development of autoimmune process.