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Neutrophil function in vitro: diapedesis and phagocytosis

E A MacDonald1, L Xia, H Monardes

  • 1Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, PQ, Canada.

Journal of Dairy Science
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

This study modeled neutrophil function in the mammary gland using a bovine cell line. Neutrophils migrated through the cell barrier without causing damage, suggesting potential for studying mastitis resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Bovine Mastitis Research

Background:

  • Neutrophils play a critical role in mammary gland defense against infection.
  • Understanding neutrophil function in vitro is crucial for developing strategies against mastitis.
  • The MAC-T3 cell line offers a relevant model for studying mammary epithelial barrier integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To model neutrophil diapedesis and phagocytosis in vitro using a bovine mammary epithelial cell line.
  • To assess the integrity of the MAC-T3 cell monolayer during neutrophil migration.
  • To investigate the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils and its correlation with production traits.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the MAC-T3 bovine mammary epithelial cell line to create a monolayer.
  • Measured transepithelial electrical resistance to assess monolayer integrity.
  • Exposed neutrophils to Staphylococcus aureus and monitored their interaction with the monolayer.
  • Assessed neutrophil phagocytosis rates and capacities.

Main Results:

  • The MAC-T3 cell monolayer exhibited stable transepithelial resistance and tight junctional complexes.
  • Neutrophil diapedesis through the monolayer did not compromise its integrity.
  • Staphylococcus aureus exposure did not cause short-term damage to the monolayer.
  • Significant variation was observed in neutrophil phagocytosis rates among bulls, with small negative correlations to production traits.

Conclusions:

  • The MAC-T3 cell line and electrical resistance measurements are valuable tools for studying mammary epithelial cell integrity.
  • In vitro modeling of neutrophil function provides insights into natural resistance mechanisms against mastitis.
  • Further research can elucidate the role of neutrophil function in bovine mastitis resistance.

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