[Mechanism of action of an exopolysaccharide from Mycobacterium cyaneum on the local cellular reaction in experimental coli infection].

A study was made of the effect of the exopolysaccharide (PS) M. cyaneum B-646 on cellular reaction in peritoneal exudate of white mice infected with E. coli. PS intensified the migration of phagocytic cells to the focus of infection, accelerated neutrophil maturation, promoted an earlier and more active involvement of neutrophils, particularly of macrophages, into the phagocytic process. In this case, there was a marked correlation between the magnitude of phagocyte population (of macrophage population to a greater degree) in peritoneal exudate and absorption capacity. PS activated macrophagal lysosomes, affecting selectively the accumulation of enzymes by the cells and lysosomal membrane permeability. The action of PS is dose-dependent. Under experimental conditions in question, the most favourable effect on local cellular reaction was exerted by PS in a dose of 20 micrograms per mouse.