Studies on human milk macrophages: effect of activation on phagocytosis and secretion of prostaglandin E2 and lysozyme.

Breast milk macrophages cultured in vitro synthesized and secreted increasing amounts of protein, lysozyme, and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) into the extracellular medium. These cells were also shown to actively phagocytose labeled zymosan particles in culture. Morphologic characteristics, phagocytosis, and secretory responses of the macrophages were altered depending on the presence of various stimuli in the culture. Concanavalin A, endotoxin and zymosan particles, but not latex particles, all resulted in an increased PGE2 secretion into the medium. Although total protein synthesis was not altered by any of these stimuli, Concanavalin A and endotoxin resulted in a decreased lysozyme concentration in the extracellular medium. Concanavalin A enhanced, whereas endotoxin and prior phagocytosis of latex particles inhibited phagocytosis of labeled zymosan particles. These findings indicate that phagocytosis and secretions of milk macrophages may be altered depending on the nature of the stimulating agent.