Effect of Trace Metals on Phagocytosis by Alveolar Macrophages

Abstract

Experiments were performed to measure the effect of trace metals on a vital function of the alveolar macrophage (AM), phagocytosis. Since certain trace metals were found to reduce the viability of AMs, a technique was developed to permit examination of live cells only for phagocytosis. Evidence is presented that Ni 2+ selectively altered the phagocytic activity of AMs at concentrations lower than those which caused cell death. It is further shown that a level of VO 3 − that caused extensive lysis and death did not reduce phagocytosis in surviving cells. The effects of Cd 2+ , Cr 3+ , and Mn 2+ on AMs were also examined.