Mapping of endogenous lectins in macrophages colonizing an implanted polymer surface--effect of polymer structure.

The design of synthetic polymers may affect structural features of inflammatory cells, for example the expression of endogenous sugar receptor molecules like lectins in macrophages and foreign body giant multinucleate cells. This characteristic was studied histochemically by use of biotinylated (neo)glycoproteins. The results demonstrate the influence of polymer structure on the phenotypic expression of molecules recognizing carbohydrates in these cells. Very strong activity was observed for carrier-immobilized beta-galactose in cells colonizing hydrophobic polystyrene implants. Sialic acid moieties were not recognized by cells located on the surface of all types of polymeric implant. This study encourages investigation of the influence of polymer design on the differentiation of macrophages.