Functional studies on mouse macrophages activated by phospholipids from Listeria monocytogenes and Aspergillus fumigatus.

The administration of phospholipids from Listeria monocytogenes and Aspergillus fumigatus to mice resulted in the development of macrophages with increased functional activity. It has been found that stimulated macrophages have increased phagocytic activity, enhanced chemotactic reactivity and augmented adherence to plastic surface. The activity of FcIg macrophages and complement receptors as well as the rate of the recovery of the FcIg receptors after phagocytosis were significantly higher in activated cells. The increase in phagocytosis, and FcIg and complement receptors activity was observed in macrophages cultured in vitro with phospholipids studied.