This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Copyright Information Books from ASM Press MicrobeWorld Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Harwick, H. J. Articles by Guze, L. B. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Harwick, H. J. Articles by Guze, L. B.

Phagocytosis of Microbial L-Forms

Research and Medical Services, Veterans Administration, Wadsworth Hospital Center, Los Angeles, California 90073
Departments of Zoology and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024
Department of Medicine, Los Angeles County Harbor General Hospital, Torrance, California 90509

ABSTRACT

Little data are available regarding L-form phagocyte interactions. Due to difficulty with more conventional methods, a serum-free technique of surface phagocytosis employing cellulose ester micropore filters, fluorochrome staining, and reflecting fluorescence microscopy was developed. Intracellular localization of L-frms was confirmed by electron microscopy. In timed experiments, phagocytosis of a group D Streptococcus (ATCC 23241) and its L-form (T53I) were maximal at 30 min, although the bacteria were consistently better phagocyted. Phagocytosis of an Escherichia coli (strain Yale) and its L-form was also demonstrated with the same technique. The lesser phagocytosis of L-forms may be related to their lower chemotactic activity.