Growth of chlamydia in pig lung alveolar macrophages; preparation of macrophages and demonstration of growth.

The harvesting, storing and utilisation in tissue culture of lung alveolar macrophages from 2-3 weeks old piglets were investigated. An average yield of 4 X 10(8) cells was obtained, which in culture usually remained healthy for at least 8 days. In liquid nitrogen at -173 degrees C about 50% of the cells were still viable after 3 months. Pig cells sustained the growth of ovine Chlamydia psittaci and a rising titre was demonstrated over 4 passages.