Some effects of lignocaine on cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages

Macrophages were exposed to lignocaine in perifused and non-perifused cultures using media with or without foetal calf serum. Effects on morphology, viability, phagocytosis and the release of enzymes were assessed. During the period of contact with lignocaine there was a selective release of beta-glucuronidase. After washing, enzyme release continued over a period of 7 hours and, in the absence of foetal calf serum, a decrease in the total beta-glucuronidase content was found in non-perifused cultures. Although lignocaine-treated cells phagocytosed particulates the rate of enzyme release was reduced compared with normal cells when subsequently exposed to quartz.