Phagocytosis of sheep erythrocytes by macrophages: a study of the attachment phase by scanning electron microscopy.

Macrophage erythrocyte rosettes, mediated by mouse anti sheep erythrocyte cytophilic antibodies or by appropriately opsonized sheep erythrocytes in the presence or absence of complement, were examined by scanning electron microscopy. No morphologic differences were observed in the attachment sites irrespective of the method used to form rosettes. It was observed that expansion of the attachment area in the phagocytic process occurred at a much faster rate when opsonized erythrocytes, rather than sensitized macrophages, were employed. This phenomenon was held to account for the lack of opsonic activity of macrophage cytophilic antibodies and a hypothesis is submitted to account for these differences in the spreading process.

Phagocytosis of sheep erythrocytes by macrophages: a study of the attachment phase by scanning electron microscopy. Academic Article