Bovine alveolar macrophages: phenotypic and functional properties of subpopulations obtained by Percoll density gradient centrifugation.

Bronchoalveolar cells retrieved from conventionally raised, healthy calves were separated into four fractions on a discontinuous Percoll density gradient. The alveolar macrophage (AM) subpopulations and nonseparated AM were assayed for such phenotypic markers as la-antigen, ectoenzymes, and immune receptors, as well as for functional activity in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against virus-infected cells, superoxide anion generation, and their influence on lectin-induced lymphocyte proliferation. The low-density fraction was composed of large cells with low Ia-antigen expression, low ADCC activity, and high ecto-enzyme and C3b-receptor activity. In contrast the high-density fraction contained mainly small, monocytelike cells, with high Ia expression and low-level expression of most other markers and functions. Two fractions of intermediary density overlapped in most of the characteristics, but could be distinguished on the basis of ADCC activity, interleukin-1 generation, and the level of leucine amino peptidase activity.