Le macrophage alveolaire de porc: Revue bibliographique

Abstract

Following a presentation of different methods used to collect alveolar macrophages by lung washing performed on killed or anaesthetized animals, several main features of these cells are described: in vitro adherence, enzymatic properties and morphology, phagocytosis. Studies of postnatal development show that swine alveolar macrophages appear during the first week of age. Finally, the alveolar macrophage immunological behaviour (surface receptors, cytotoxicity, co-operation with lymphocytes, activation) and the complex micro-organisms-macrophages interrelationships are discussed.

Rationale for Using Immunopotentiators in Domestic Food Animals

“…Inside the lung, residing at the air-tissue interface and directly exposed to inhaled microorganisms or air pollutants, the alveolar mac rophage functions as the primary defense against respiratory infections (Hocking and Golde, 1979). Functional properties of alveolar macro phages, including their immunological and antiinfectious features, have been studied in domestic food animals (Khadom et al, 1985;Charley, 1985). Rothlein et al (1981) have studied the postnatal devel opment of alveolar macrophages in Minnesota miniature swine.…”

“…A few studies have been conducted exploring means of enhancing the young animals' immune functions. For example, newborn piglets' NK cell activity was shown to be responsive in vitro to interferon (Charley et al, 1985), and in vivo to poly I : C (Lesnick and Derbyshire, 1988) or bacterial extracts (Kim, 1984). Additionally, isoprinosine has been shown to enhance the immunocompromised immune status of artifi cially reared neonatal pigs (Hennessy et al, 1987).…”