DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/BHZT-YN03

Defense Date

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Jennifer K. Stewart

Abstract

These studies provide evidence for novel properties of macrophages derived from bone marrow stem cells. In study 1, treatment of activated mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) with either catecholamine synthesis inhibitors (α-methyl-para-tyrosine and fusaric acid) or the β2 adrenergic receptor antagonist ICI 118,551 demonstrated that BMM produce catecholamines. The catecholamines modulated macrophage cytokine production through autocrine actions on adrenergic receptors. In study II, undifferentiated human bone marrow cells were incubated in 30% mouse L929 fibroblast conditioned medium and generated adherent cells within three days. The cells were clearly identifiable as macrophages based on surface proteins and phagocytic activity but produced only low levels of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-lβ. Cytokine production did not increase in response to the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Generation of these macrophage-like cells was not repeatable with other samples of human bone marrow, but the cells continue to proliferate in cell culture and will be investigated further in future studies.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

June 2008

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS