Induction by dimethyl sulfoxide of Fc fragment-mediated phagocytosis in the mouse macrophage-like cell line P388D1.

The murine macrophage-like cell line P388D1 has Fc fragment receptors but cannot carry out Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis. We now find that it gains this ability when exposed to 1.5% dimethyl sulfoxide for 2 days. Binding by Fc receptors and phagocytosis of latex beads are unaffected. Growth eventually slows, and the activities of two lysosomal enzymes--beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase--increase, but these increases occur after the induction of Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Cycloheximide sufficient to inhibit protein synthesis inhibits the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide. All changes are reversed when dimethyl sulfoxide is removed. This system may facilitate study of differentiation processes affecting Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis.