Increased superoxide anion generation by alveolar macrophages stimulated with antigens associated with organic dusts
Milanowski, J.; Dutkiewicz, J.
Allergologia et Immunopathologia 18(4): 211-215
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-0546 PMID: 2176060 Document Number: 355251
The gaseous phase cultures of alveolar macrophages (AMs) of guinea pig were exposed to the saline extracts of the dust-borne bacteria Micropolyspora faeni (syn. Faenia rectivirgula) and Erwinia herbicola (syn. Enterobacter agglomerans) which have been added at the concentration of 1 microgram/ml to culture medium with or without complement. The effects of exposure on superoxide anion (O2-) production by AMs were assessed by the lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence method. Both extracts caused significant (p less than 0.01) increase in O2- generation by AMs, as assessed by the 161-254% enhancement of chemiluminescence release comparing to control values. The presence of complement augmented the production of O2-, which reached a peak at 3 hrs after initial exposure. The possible significance of the generation of oxygen radicals in pathogenesis of the diseases due to exposure to agricultural dusts loaded with bacterial antigens is discussed.