The Effect of Surface-Active Agents on Phagocytosis

Electron Microscopic Study of Phagocytosis of Staphylococcus by Human Leukocytes

“…Quantitative studies of bacterial phagoeytosis by leukocytes have been reported in a wide variety of experimental conditions. The effects of antibiotics, antiseptics, specific antibodies, surface active agents, X-ray and miscellaneous chemicals all have been examined (Sandkiuhler, 19.0;Desvignes, 1952, 1953;Wood and Smith, 1949;Berry et al, 1949; Wilkinson, 1954). Other variables such as the effects of media, coagulase of the bacteria, virulence of the organism and M-protein have also been considered (Lerner and Victor, 1953;Tomsett, 1954;Morris and Seastone, 1955).…”

Effect of Antibacterials, Antibiotics, Enzymes and Steroids on Phagocytosis

“…Phagocytosis have been ascribed to a decrease in the surface energy of the phagocyte, brought about by the substance diffusing from the micro‐organism (11, 12). Detergents, both in vitro and in vivo, increase phagocytosis by decreasing the surface energy of cells (13). Protein factors which increase phagocytosis have been isolated from normal plasma.…”

Phagocytosis

“…Similar enhancement is seen after granulocytes have been treated with surface-active agents. 13 Diminished phagocytic activity has been shown by granulocytes from (1) inf a n t~,~~ (2) from myeloid leukemia patients,I6 (3) from animals made deficient of any of the B vitamins, except inositol and p-aminobenzoic acid (Mills),16 of vitamin C (Mills, Nungester and Ames),'6*17 or of protein (Mills),'6 (4) from patients on corticotropin or cortisone therapy,'* and (5) from stored blood. Leukocytes suspended in albumin solution assume a spherical form and remain discrete with no tendency to clump or undertake phagocyto~is.…”