The alveolar macrophage (AM) population has been shown to be heterogeneous in composition as well as in function. The aim of our study was to assess morphological and functional features of AM in an experimental model of quartz-induced lung fibrosis by flow cytometric methods. Twelve cynomolgus monkeys were exposed 8 hr/day, 5 days/week for 26 months to either normal atmosphere (n = 5) or 5 mg/...

Background: Herbal medicines have been used since ancient times for treatment of a range of diseases and have represented stimulatory effects on the function of innate immunity. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on the function of innate immunity including phagocytic activity and TNF-α secretion in animal model. Methods: Eight BALB/c mice were divided int...

The NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase (NOX) of 'professional' phagocytic cells transfers electrons across the wall of the phagocytic vacuole, forming superoxide in the lumen. It is generally accepted that this system promotes microbial killing through the generation of reactive oxygen species and through the activity of myeloperoxidase. An alternative scenario exists i...

Aqueous extract of roots of Baliospermum montanum was evaluated on preliminary basis for immunomodulatory activity by studying neutrophil phagocytic function. The different concentration of (25, 50, 100 mug/ml) of aqueous extract of roots of Baliospermum montanum was subjected to study its effect on different in vitro methods of phagocytosis such as neutrophil locomotion, chemotaxis, immunostim...

Clinical manifestations of hereditary spherocytosis (HS), the most common red blood cell (RBC) membrane disorder, can be abrogated or markedly reduced by splenectomy. However, concerns regarding risks from overwhelming infections after splenectomy have restricted its use, especially in children. This study was designed to determine if partial splenectomy can decrease the hemolytic rate while ma...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the "in vitro" effect of parachlorophenol and camphorated parachlorophenol, used in endodontics for the disinfection of root canals, on the substrate adherence capacity of macrophages. Inflammatory macrophages were obtained from Wistar rats and resuspended in RPMI-1640 medium. As a test of macrophage phagocytic function, the adherence capacity of mac...

Proteins of the Chediak-Higashi/Beige (BEACH) family have been implicated in the function of lysosomes, as well as in signal transduction, but their molecular role is still poorly understood. In Dictyostelium, at least six members of the family can be identified. Here cells with mutations in two of these genes, LVSA and LVSB, were analyzed. Interestingly both mutants exhibited defects in the or...

The renal mononuclear phagocytic system, conventionally composed of macrophages (Mø) and dendritic cells (DCs), plays a central role in health and disease of the kidney. Overlapping definitions of renal DCs and Mø, stemming from historically separate research tracks and the lack of experimental tools to specifically study the roles of these cells in vivo, have generated confusion and controvers...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect in vitro on macrophage adhesion of Tifell (formocresoleugenol), used as an intracanal medicament and in therapeutic pulpotomies in primary teeth, Macrophages were obtained from Wistar rats. As a test of macrophage phagocytic function the adherence capacity of macrophages to a plastic surface was determined. Assays were carried out in Eppen...