PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Markowetz, B
AU  - Van Snick, J L
AU  - Masson, P L
TI  - Binding and ingestion of human lactoferrin by mouse alveolar macrophages.
AID  - 10.1136/thx.34.2.209
DP  - 1979 Apr 01
TA  - Thorax
PG  - 209--212
VI  - 34
IP  - 2
4099  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/34/2/209.short
4100  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/34/2/209.full
SO  - Thorax1979 Apr 01; 34
AB  - 59Fe-labelled human lactoferrin was found to be preferentially ingested by mouse alveolar macrophages (MAM) when compared to 59Fe-labelled human transferrin. The cells bound and ingested 125I-labelled iron-saturated and iron-free lactoferrin. The latter was digested faster (t1/2 = 5.8 hours), however, than the iron-saturated compound (t1/2 = 10.5 hours). The constant elimination of the Fe-lactoferrin complex by alveolar macrophages could enhance the bacteriostatic effect of lactoferrin in the pulmonary secretions.