ESTEROLYTIC AND LIPOLYTIC ENZYMES OF MACROPHAGES

¹ Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford; Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, South Australia
² Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford; External Staff, Medical Research Council

Macrophages obtained from the peritoneal cavity of rabbits have been shown to possess both esterolytic and lipolytic activity. Esterase was demonstrated by the hydrolysis of both tributyrin and -naphthyl acetate by macrophages. The esterase was inhibited by sodium taurocholate, sodium fluoride, quinine hydrochloride and by low concentrations of eserine, and was probably pseudocholinesterase. The optimal pH for esterase activity was 7·5. Lipase was demonstrated by the hydrolysis of chyle triglycerides by macrophage homogenates and by the increased hydrolysis of -naphthyl laurate by macrophages, in the presence of sodium taurocholate.

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We wish to thank Professor Sir Howard Florey for his continued interest. We are indebted to Mr. G. J. Wren for technical assistance and to the Medical Research Council for a personal grant to A.J.D.