Effect of macrophage activators on the phagocytosis of mycobacteria by Schwann cells.

Concanavalin A-induced lymphokines decreased the phagocytosis of 14C-acetate-labelled Mycobacterium w by 33B rat Schwannoma cells while increasing the phagocytosis by macrophages. This suggests that Schwann cells are responsive to lymphokines. Phorbol myristate acetate decreased the phagocytosis in Schwannoma cells but increased that in macrophages. Schwann cells, thus, respond to stimulants of macrophage phagocytosis in a manner opposite to that of macrophages.