Role of Macrophages in Internalization and Early Clearance of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa from the Mouse Lung

This study aimed to evaluate the role of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in the internalisation and early clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lung. AMs were depleted by intranasal administration of liposome-encapsulated clodronate disodium. At 24 h following the instillation of liposomes, a sublethal dose of P. aeruginosa (1 X 104 cfu) was inoculated intratracheally. Lung tissue was then evaluated for survival, viable bacteria and for histopathology 4 and 24 h post-infection. AM depletion of 90% did not affect the survival rate of infected mice but the clearance of P. aeruginosa was reduced at 24 h (P