IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF PHAGOCYTIC FUNCTIO N AND CHEMOTACTIC RESPONSE OF OVINE ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES

Comparatively to other mammalian species, the function of sheep lung m acrophages is poorly investigated so far. The purpose of the present p reliminary study was to establish the technical requirements permittin g reliable evaluation of ovine pulmonary macrophages phagocytic functi on and chemotactic response. Pulmonary macrophages were collected by b ronchoalveolar ravage. After conditioning, phagocytosis capacity and r esponse to chemoattractant were quantified by use of fluoresceine-labe led yeast particles and modified Boyden's chambers respectively. After a one hour incubation period, 92% of macrophages exhibited at least o ne internalised yeast particle, whereas 29% of them had ingested more than 10 particles. Non-opsonized particles were significantly less pha gocyted. The alveolar macrophages demonstrated a chemotactic response to zymosan activated serum stimulus, but only if incubation period was at least 2 hours. The chemotactic index obtained at this time was 2.8 7.