Summary
Peritoneal macrophage ultrastructure was analysed stereologically in germ-free mice given a single intraperitoneal injection of sterile, pyrogen-free saline. Thus the stimulant was non-particulate, non-antigenic and inorganic, and effects of immune reactions were minimal. Macrophages were recovered 1, 6, 24 and 72 h after stimulation.
A sequence of structural alterations is reported which may be fundamental to macrophage activation. The plasma membrane and nuclear envelope increased in area within only 1 h of saline injection. During the next 5 h loss of plasma membrane, probably by pinocytosis, caused cellular “rounding” and clear-cut alteration in surface configuration. At the same time lysosome-like granules enlarged but decreased in number. By 24 h most cellular structures and compartments (including the plasma membrane) were enlarged. Morphological evidence of nuclear activation accompanied a rather modest enlargement of the nucleus at this stage. The RER hypertrophied last and must, therefore, be judged sufficient in resident macrophages to support the initial growth response which results after stimulation. Thus hypertrophy was observed eventually in every structure examined. Even the minimally activated macrophages resident in the peritoneum of germ-free mice respond readily to stimulation.
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This work was supported by a scholarship received from the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
I am grateful to Professor R. Barer for his helpful criticism of this manuscript. I also thank Dr. G.H. Cope and Dr. T.M. Mayhew for much thoughtful consideration given to this study and Mr. O. Illman, Animal House Curator, for his aid. The technical assistance of Mr. G.W. Peace, Mrs. M. Hollingworth and Mr. M. Fenner is gratefully acknowledged.
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Woodward, B. A stereological ultrastructural study of stimulated peritoneal macrophages in the germ-free mouse. Cell Tissue Res. 200, 299–309 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00236422
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00236422