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Macrophages in the urine in acute bacterial cystitis
T Nishimura1, Y Terashima, J Watanabe
1Department of Urology, Nippon Medical School.
Abstract:
In the previous study in this series of studies concerning the role of macrophages in urinary tract infection, we attempted to detect macrophages in the urine of acute bacterial cystitis patients by nonspecific esterase staining of urinary sediment, however none of the leukocytes stained, probably because of cell damage caused by the urine and by centrifugation. In the present study, detection of macrophages in urine was again attempted, this time by prompt transfer of urinary leukocytes to culture medium after minimum centrifugation, 1 hr culture in a glass bottom chamber and non-specific staining of leukocytes adhering to glass. Macrophages in urine were detected by this method, and they comprised 5.9% of the adherent leukocytes, although macrophage spreading, which implies macrophage activation and is often seen in the early stage of nonbacterial prostatitis, was hardly ever observed. The percentages of adherent leukocytes were not correlated with urine osmolarity, probably because the effect of urine was minimized by prompt transfer of urinary leukocytes to culture medium after the urine samples had been collected. There have been quite few studies involving culture of urinary leukocytes in the past. Our simple techniques, such as prompt transfer of urinary leukocytes to culture medium after centrifuging with minimum gravity and for a minimum period of time, appear to be useful in the study of urinary leukocytes using other cells which appear in urinary tract infection, as well as cytokines and antibiotics, to clarify cellular mechanisms of defenses in urinary tract infection.
Insights
Researchers developed a new method to detect macrophages in urine samples from patients with urinary tract infections. This technique improves the identification of these immune cells, aiding in understanding infection defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Previous attempts to detect macrophages in urine using non-specific esterase staining were unsuccessful due to cell damage.
- Understanding the role of macrophages in urinary tract infections (UTIs) is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a reliable method for detecting macrophages in the urine of UTI patients.
- To assess the presence and characteristics of macrophages in urinary samples.
Main Methods:
- Urinary leukocytes were promptly transferred to culture medium after minimal centrifugation.
- Leukocytes were cultured for 1 hour in a glass-bottom chamber.
- Adherent leukocytes were stained non-specifically to identify macrophages.
Main Results:
- Macrophages were successfully detected in urine samples, constituting 5.9% of adherent leukocytes.
- Macrophage spreading, indicative of activation, was rarely observed.
- Leukocyte adherence was not correlated with urine osmolarity, suggesting the method minimizes urine's detrimental effects.
Conclusions:
- A simple and effective technique for culturing and detecting urinary leukocytes, including macrophages, has been established.
- This method facilitates further research into cellular defense mechanisms in UTIs, including the study of other immune cells, cytokines, and antibiotics.