Genetic regulation of macrophage functions.

Normal phagocytic function is genetically determined but maintained in a rather narrow range of variation. Phagocytosis stimulation induced by different agents is variable according to species, strains or individuals. Variation is environmental, to a great extent, but has also a genetic component which differs in each case. Selective breeding for macrophage responsiveness to triolein stimulation was successful. However, the relevant genes have only a small effect on antibody synthesis. Macrophages of mice selected for high and low antibody synthesis have a similar phagocytic function but their capacities of antigen processing are quite different.