The cells exhibit characteristics of macrophage cells : phagocytosis of zymosan and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, nonspecific esterase activity, Fc receptors, oxidative burst; IL-1, TNF beta and IL-6 secretion, and replicative response to exogenous growth factors.
NR8383 cells respond to bleomycin by secreting latent transforming growth factor (TGF beta). Stimulation with bleomycin also increases TGF beta mRNA expression. These cells are sensitive to endotoxin. LPS levels of 1 to 10 ng/ml inhibit replication by 50%. LPS inhibition is nontoxic and reversible even after levels up to 0.001 mg/ml for extended periods.
The NR8383 cell line provides a homogenous source of highly responsive alveolar macarophages which can be used in vitro to study macrophage related activities. |
