Flow cytometric measurement of phagocytosis reveals a role for C3b in metal particle uptake by phagocytes.
A methodology for the quick and efficient study of phagocytosis has been developed. It uses the flow cytometer to exploit the change in size and granularity that occurs in cells upon the ingestion of particulate material. The numbers of cells that have phagocytosed particles can be calculated from the distinct shift in regions that occurs. The method also allows the factors governing phagocytosis to be studied in detail through the use of blocking agents or antibodies. Blood-derived monocytes were studied to investigate the role of complement in metal particle phagocytosis to further understand aseptic loosening. Factor C3b was found to be fundamental to the opsonization and phagocytosis of metal particles by monocytes.
Baldwin
L
L
UKCTE, Clinical Engineering, University of Liverpool, L69 3GA, United Kingdom. lisab@liv.ac.uk
Flanagan
B F
BF
Hunt
J A
JA
D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003179:Complement C3b / Q000378:metabolism*; D017242:Complement Factor H / Q000494:pharmacology; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000494:pharmacology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects
D000906:Antibodies; C493495:CFH protein, human; D002614:Chelating Agents; D008670:Metals; D003179:Complement C3b; D017242:Complement Factor H; D005340:Fibrinogen; D004492:Edetic Acid