Characterization of concanavalin A induced peritoneal exudate cells in infant mice

Con A induced peritoneal exudate (PE) cells were characterized in 9-12 days old infant mice. It was observed that 100-200 micrograms of Con A induces two peaks viz. first at 48 hrs post inoculation (PI) and second on 8-10 days PI. Majority of the induced cell population was adherent macrophages (75-80%) and non adherent population was 20-25%. During 2nd peak of induction non adherent population increased upto 40%. The macrophage population was heterogenous. However, majority of them were 8-12 micron in size. The cells showed strong non specific esterase and acid phosphatase activities. Subsequently, there was vesicle formation in this population. Con A also induced vesiculation in PE cells markedly when compared with normal unstimulated mice.