THYMOMODULIN STIMULATES PHAGOCYTOSIS IN-VITRO BY RAT MACROPHAGES AND HUMAN POLYMORPHONUCLEAR CELLS

Activation of non-specific host defenses can increase resistance to in fection in patients and especially those with reduced immune response. Thymomodulin is a calf thymic derivative containing low molecular wei ght peptides, which exerts immunomodulating activity probably through an enhancement of lymphocyte functions. To explore this possibility, r at macrophages (MP) and human polymorphonuclear (HPMN) cells were incu bated in vitro with 100, 200, 400 mu g/ml of thymomodulin at 37 degree s C for 60 min and their phagocytic activity was investigated. The num ber of phagocytosing cells was significantly increased following incre asing concentrations of thymomodulin and the percentage of phagocytosi s was increased more for human PMNs in comparison with rat MP, while t he values of the phagocytic index were not modified after challenge wi th thymomodulin both for MPs and HPMNs.