Leukocytic response to inhaled bacteria.
Using histologic techniques, we have quantified the amount of infiltration of bronchi and alveoli by polymorphonuclear leukocytes during the 4 hours after an aerosol inoculation of mice with bacteria. Although the lungs of animals challenged with Staphylococcus aureus differed little from those of animals exposed only to a water aerosol, the lungs of animals exposed to Klebsiella pneumoniae or to Escherichia coli demonstrated significantly greater polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltrations in bronchi and alveoli 2 and 4 hours afer exposure. These results suggest that the polymorphonuclear leukocyte may contribute to the early defense of the lung against some bacteria.
D000336:Aerosols; D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000276:immunology; D007249:Inflammation; D007711:Klebsiella pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology*; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
D000336:Aerosols