Subpopulation of alveolar macrophages inhibits superoxide anion production by macrophages.

Pig alveolar macrophages are a heterogeneous population of cells. Three subpopulations or bands exist when the whole population is separated according to density. Band 1 cells are the least dense cells and constitute 9% of the total population. Bands 2 and 3 represent 44 and 47% of the total population. The three subpopulations generate superoxide anions, although to varying degrees. Band 3 cells are the most active, while band 1 cells are the least active. The amount of superoxide anions released in a mixed population of bands 1, 2, and 3 cells was less than the sum of that produced from each band assayed separately. Band 1 cells were found to inhibit by 47% the production of superoxide anions by band 3 cells. Conditioned medium from band 1 cells contains a heat-sensitive, nondialyzable, soluble factor responsible for this inhibition.