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Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Alveolar Macrophage Phagocytosis and Bacteria Clearance in Mice
Published on: March 2, 2019
Surfactant protein A mediates pulmonary clearance of Staphylococcus aureus
Abstract:
Surfactant protein A has been shown to enhance opsonization and clearance of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Here, the phagocytosis of alveolar S. aureus was investigated in vivo using intravital microscopy. Fluorescence labelled S. aureus Newman cells were intratracheally administered to anesthetized mice and the alveolar surface was observed for fifteen minutes. Confirming previously reported in vitro data, surfactant protein A-deficient mice showed a significantly reduced uptake of bacteria compared to wild-type mice.
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