[Swine alveolar macrophages: a review].

Following a presentation of different methods used to collect alveolar macrophages by lung washing performed on killed or anaesthetized animals, several main features of these cells are described: in vitro adherence, enzymatic properties and morphology, phagocytosis. Studies of postnatal development show that swine alveolar macrophages appear during the first week of age. Finally, the alveolar macrophage immunological behaviour (surface receptors, cytotoxicity, co-operation with lymphocytes, activation) and the complex micro-organisms-macrophages interrelationships are discussed.