IN-VITRO RESPONSES OF CERVINE MACROPHAGES TO BACTERIAL STIMULANTS

The function of cervine (deer) mononuclear phagocytes is poorly define d. In the present study, the potential of cervine macrophages to gener ate phagocytic and immunoregulatory responses following stimulation wi th bacterial products was investigated. Blood-derived macrophages of r ed deer were cultured in vitro with particulate stimulants (Mycobacter ium bovis BCG and Staphylococcus aureus SAC) or soluble stimulants (M. bovis PPD and Escherichia coli LPS), prior to assessment of phagocyti c responses, prostaglandin secretion and cytokine production. Particul ate stimulants induced vigorous phagocytic responses (superoxide anion generation, lysosomal enzyme release), secretion of prostaglandin E2 and transcription of mRNA specific for the cytokines IL-1 beta, IL-10 and TNF alpha, while soluble products invoked weaker responses. These results are discussed in relation to the role of cervine mononuclear p hagocytes in regulating and participating in inflammatory and immune p rocesses relevant to bacterial challenge.