Phagocytosis by Guinea Pig Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes of Liposomes Stabilized with Polysaccharides

Abstract

Hemolysate-loaded liposomes were prepared with their surfaces coated by polysaccharides, carboxymethylchitin, carboxymethyl-cellulose and carboxymethylchitosan. Phagocytosis by guineapig polymorphonuclear leukocytes of these coated liposomes was measured in view of electrostatic interactions between the cells and the liposomes. This view revealed to hold at least in quite an early stage of phagocytosis, but some specific interactions were assumed to exist between the cells and the liposomes. N-acetyl groups of the chitin molecules were suggested to play a role in the complex processes of phagocytosis.