Enzyme activation in peritoneal cells from mice infected with Mycobacterium lepraemurium

The authors conclude from observations that a) mycobacterium lepraemurium (Mlm) infection of mice induces an early state of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) which influences macrophage metabolism, including their microbicidal capabilities; b) shortly after (or simultaneously with) the development of CMI, suppressor mechanisms are induced which turn off the 'protective effects' of CMI including macrophage activation, allowing the 'few' surviving bacilli to take over and assuring the progress of the infection; c) the parallel and progressive decreases in peroxidsase activity and neutrophils from the peritoneal cavity of Mlm-infected animals suggest an effect of the infection on this cell population.