Local activation of nonspecific defense against a respiratory model infection by application of interferon-gamma: comparison between rat alveolar and interstitial lung macrophages.

Pulmonary macrophages play a crucial role in the defense of inhaled pathogens. We characterized functional properties of alveolar (AM) and interstitial (IM) macrophages from rats. AM exhibited a pronounced microbicidal capacity as shown by an elevated production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and tumor cytotoxicity when compared with IM.

Analysis of leukocyte activation during acute rejection of pulmonary allografts in noninfected and cytomegalovirus-infected rats.

After human lung transplantation acute rejection and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections may occur, probably contributing to the development of chronic rejection. We established a model of subacute allograft rejection in rats to analyze leukocyte activation and effects of a CMV infection. Histoincompatible lung transplants (BN/LEW) without immunosuppression (group A) and lungs of initially immunosuppressed animals (group B) were analyzed.

Characterization of murine lung interstitial macrophages in comparison with alveolar macrophages in vitro.

The present study was performed to characterize the immunologic potential of interstitial macrophages (INT) in comparison with alveolar macrophages (AL). The data showed that AL, compared with INT, have a more efficient phagocytic potential. In addition, they have a strong microbicidal activity and secrete large amounts of reactive oxygen radicals, nitric oxides, TNF, and IFN on appropriate stimulation.

Alteration of pulmonary macrophage function by respiratory syncytial virus infection in vitro.

Alveolar macrophages (AL) are the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens and are exposed to virus during the course of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Interference of virus with alveolar macrophage functions may contribute to the risk of acquiring secondary bacterial infections during or after respiratory tract infections with RSV or other viral agents. We studied whether murine AL get infected with RSV and whether they support viral replication in vitro.

Pulmonary macrophages.

Interest in pulmonary macrophage research has greatly increased as is now possible not only to work with the easily accessible alveolar macrophages but also with macrophages prepared from lung tissue, such as the interstitial macrophages, dendritic cells and intravascular macrophages. A fascinating aspect is that, in one organ, the modulation of macrophage functions according to their anatomical localization can be studied. This article tries to review some of the modern aspects of research on pulmonary macrophages.