[Relation between cyclic AMP and phagocytosis in human monocytes]

The involvement of cyclic adenosine 3'-5' monophosphate (cAMP) in the regulation of human monocyte phagocytosis of staphylococcus aureus in vitro was demonstrated by assay of adenylate cyclase (AC) and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE). Phagocytosis was associated with diminished AC activity (p less than 0,05) and concurrently increased PDE activity (p less than 0,005). Transmission electron microscopy provided evidence that these changes coincide with peak phagocytic activity occuring 10-20 minutes after the start of phagocytosis.