[Histochemical study of sodium nucleinate-activated peritoneal macrophages]

The activity of various enzyme groups and the levels of protein and glycogen in the peritoneal macrophages of CBA mice treated intraperitoneally with sodium nucleinate were determined histochemically with the use of cytophotometry. A significant increase in the activity of the lysosomal enzymes, such as acid phosphatase and nonspecific esterases and an increase in the activity of lactate, malate, glutamate, alpha-glycerophosphate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenases. NAD.H- and NADF.H-diaphorases accompanied by an increase in the level of the total protein and glycogen were observed. Analysis of the changes was indicative of an increase in the inherent physiological metabolic and functional level under the effect of sodium nucleinate. It is suggested that the macrophage sub-populations with an increased metabolic activity appeared in the peritoneal exudate of the stimulated animals. Participation of the host low molecular DNA in the maintenance of the physiological level of th nonspecific antiinfectious resistance is suggested.