INHIBITION OF PHAGOCYTOSIS OF HUMAN MACROPHAGES INDUCED BY AIRBORNE-PARTICULATES

Human monocyte-derived macrophages isolated from peripheral blood were treated with different extracts of airborne particulates collected in the highly industrialized Rhine-Ruhr area. AH tested extracts showed a substantial impairment of phagocytosis by inhibition of phagocytic a ctivity as well as phagocytic capacity, while cell viability was rathe r well maintained. Significant reduction of phagocytosis already appea red at a concentration equivalent to extracted particulates from 3.8 m (3) air. Having properties of alveolar macrophages, human monocyte-der ived macrophage cultures may offer a reliable in vitro model for asses sment of pulmonary toxicity by respirable pollutants.