Yeast cell phagocytosis by mononuclear leucocytes from peripheral blood: significance of the substrate.
Lymphoprep-isolated mononuclear leucocytes (L-MNs) from peripheral blood of healthy donors were mixed with yeast cells and filmed by time-lapse microcinematography in glass chambers at +37 degrees C. The concentration of L-MNs and yeast cells was lowered so as to make directional L-MN movement (chemotaxis) a necessary condition of phagocytosis. 54 cases of phagocytosis were filmed. Only yeast cells lying immobile on the glass surface were engulfed. In addition, 11 collisions between free-floating yeast cells and glass-adherent L-MNs were noted. None of these collisions led to immediate engulfment. It is suggested that the process of phagocytosis requires prolonged leucocyte-prey contact, in the order of magnitude of 3 to 5 seconds.
D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D010587:Phagocytosis; D015003:Yeasts