[The role of the mononuclear phagocyte system in regulating protein biosynthesis in rat organs and tissues in...

In experiments on Wistar rats, we demonstrate that activation of mononuclear phagocytes by a lipopolysaccharide (prodigiosin) results in a marked increase of protein biosynthesis in various organs and tissues. This control mechanism is most distinct in mature rats and undergoes involution in older rats. Cell elements in the mononuclear phagocytes (resident macrophages) originate from the bone marrow. Decrease in the reserve capacity of the bone marrow with age in response to prodigiosin administration suggests an important role of this mechanism during aging.