The effect of weak bases on lysosomal enzyme secretion by mononuclear phagocytes

NH4Cl induces a dose-dependent secretion of lysosomal enzymes by mouse peritoneal macrophages and human peripheral blood monocytes. The mechanism of NH4Cl-stimulated hexosaminidase release is distinct from that initiated by the inflammatory stimulus, zymosan. The spontaneous lysosomal secretion of the continuous murine macrophage-like cell line, P388D1, is inhibited by up to 50% in the presence of NH4Cl and other weak bases.