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Autointerference in silver accumulation in macrophages without affecting phagocytic, migratory or
S Ellermann-Eriksen1, J Rungby, S C Mogensen
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Virchows Archiv. B, Cell Pathology Including Molecular Pathology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Mouse macrophages accumulate silver, but high concentrations cause cell death. Lower silver levels do not impair macrophage functions, suggesting a lysosome/phagosome defect in silver processing.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Silver compounds are used therapeutically, but their cellular interactions require further elucidation.
- Macrophages play a key role in innate immunity and cellular defense.
- Understanding silver's impact on macrophage function is crucial for assessing its safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro accumulation and processing of silver in mouse peritoneal macrophages.
- To determine the effects of varying silver lactate concentrations on macrophage viability and function.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of silver autointerference in macrophages.
Main Methods:
- Autometallographic visualization of intracellular silver in macrophages.
- In vitro incubation of macrophages with silver lactate at concentrations ranging from 5 microM to 20 microM.
- Assessment of macrophage phagocytic, migratory, and interferon-producing capacities.
- Evaluation of macrophage viability and signs of necrosis.
Main Results:
- An initial inverse relationship between silver concentration and visualizable intracellular silver was observed within 24 hours.
- Macrophages exposed to higher silver concentrations accumulated more silver but exhibited acute coagulation necrosis and disintegration.
- Silver lactate concentrations below cytotoxic levels did not impair macrophage phagocytic, migratory, or interferon-producing functions.
Conclusions:
- Silver accumulation in macrophages is concentration-dependent and time-sensitive.
- Acute cytotoxicity and cell death occur at higher silver concentrations.
- Non-cytotoxic silver concentrations do not compromise essential macrophage functions, suggesting a potential defect in the lysosome/phagosome system for silver processing.