Mechanism of phagocytosis of mycobacteria by Schwann cells and their comparison with macrophages.

Factors influencing the phagocytosis of mycobacteria by 33B rat Schwannoma cells and rat peritoneal macrophages were studied. Uptake of 14C-acetate-labeled Mycobacterium w by these cells was used to set up a radiometric phagocytosis assay. Incubation at 4 degrees C and treatment with sodium azide (0.2% to 1%), colchicine (10(-7) to 10(-3) M), cytochalasin B (0.2 micrograms/ml to 25 micrograms/ml), and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10(-7) to 10(-3) M) inhibited the phagocytosis by both cell types in a similar manner. These experiments demonstrate similarities in the mechanism of phagocytosis of mycobacteria by Schwann cells and macrophages.