Macrophages from human colostrum. Multinucleated giant cell formation by phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A

Macrophages obtained from human colostrum were cultured in the presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM). PHA caused multinucleated giant cell formation which could be inhibited by the addition of N-acetyl-d-galactosamine. Con A caused multinucleated giant cell formation and was cytotoxic in higher concentrations. Both effects could be inhibited by addition of α-methyl-d-mannoside and α-methyl-d-glucoside. PWM did not cause multinucleated giant cell formation but was cytotoxic in high concentrations.