Related Experiment Videos
Effect of age on adherence and chemotaxis capacities of peritoneal macrophages. Influence of physical activity stress
M A Forner1, M E Collazos, C Barriga
1Department of Physiology (Animal Physiology), Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.
Abstract:
The aim of the present research was to study the effects of age on the adherence and chemotaxis capacities of macrophages. Macrophages were obtained from the peritoneum of young and old mice (young, 12 +/- 4 weeks; old, 68 +/- 6 weeks) and young and mature guinea pigs (young, 12 +/- 1 weeks; mature, 108 +/- 2 weeks). Adherence of macrophages was evaluated with a plastic adherence technique, and chemotaxis in a Boyden chamber. The macrophages from old animals showed a higher adherence capacity (studied at 10, 40 and 60 min of incubation), and lower chemotaxis capacity in both mice and guinea pigs. The effect of physical activity stress (swimming until exhaustion) was also studied, both with and without a previous training program, on the adherence and chemotaxis of macrophages from young and old mice. While the physical activity stress (detected by the increase of the serum corticosterone concentration) did not induce changes in adherence or chemotaxis of peritoneal macrophages from young mice, in the old mice, there was a decrease in adherence and an increase in chemotaxis.
Insights
Aging impairs macrophage function, reducing their ability to move towards signals (chemotaxis) but increasing their stickiness (adherence). Physical stress affects older mice macrophages differently than younger ones.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Macrophage function is crucial for immune response.
- Age-related changes can impact immune cell capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aging on macrophage adherence and chemotaxis.
- To examine the influence of physical activity stress on these functions in different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Macrophages were isolated from young and old mice and guinea pigs.
- Adherence was measured using a plastic adherence technique.
- Chemotaxis was assessed using a Boyden chamber.
- Physical activity stress was induced via swimming until exhaustion.
Main Results:
- Older animals exhibited higher macrophage adherence and lower chemotaxis.
- Physical stress did not alter macrophage function in young mice.
- In old mice, physical stress decreased adherence and increased chemotaxis.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly alters macrophage adherence and chemotaxis.
- Physical stress differentially affects macrophage function in aged individuals, potentially enhancing their responsiveness.