Biochemical aspects of phagocytosis.

Abstract

Phagocytosis stimulates respiration, 'shunt' metabolism of glucose, lactic acid production and formate oxidation by the leucocytes. The stimulation of shunt metabolism of glucose during phagocytosis occurs only aerobically. Glycolytic inhibitors strongly inhibit phagocytosis. Cyanide and azide have no effect on the stimulated respiration and glucose oxidation, however, they completely inhibit the stimulated formate oxidation. Fatty acids with carbon chains from C6 to C15 inhibit phagocytosis