ENHANCEMENT OF PHAGOCYTOSIS BY CORTICOSTATIN-I (CSI) IN CULTURED MOUSE PERITONEAL-MACROPHAGES

Corticostatin I (CSI) is one of the corticostatic peptides which inhib it ACTH-stimulated steroidogenesis. To clarify the function of CSI on the immune system, the effect of CSI on phagocytosis by peritoneal mac rophages was examined by means of flow cytofluorometry. In the presenc e of Ca2+ and Mg2+, CSI enhanced phagocytosis of latex beads in a dose -dependant manner. Unstimulated phagocytosis in physiological solution consisted of Ca2+ and Mg2+-dependent and -independent phagocytosis. D ivalent cations-independent phagocytosis was sensitive to CSI. Present results suggest that the enhancement of phagocytosis by CSI may be on e of the mechanisms modulating the immune response regarding infection and inflammation. Present study also showed that one of defensin HNP- 1 enhanced phagocytosis.