Priming of macrophages for enhanced oxidative metabolism by exposure to proteolytic enzymes.

Preincubation for 10-30 min with trypsin, pronase, chymotrypsin, or papain primed macrophages to undergo a twofold to sixfold increase in oxidative metabolism, measured as release of superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxide, during stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate or ingestion of Candida parapsilosis. Preincubation of macrophages with inactivated proteases, nonenzyme proteins, or neuraminidase did not affect their oxidase response. Exposure of macrophages to proteases generated at sites of inflammation could prime these cells for a more effective oxidase response to phagocytosis or for greater tissue damage from release of toxic oxygen metabolites.