The primary objective of this proposal is to examine the hypothesis that chemotactic factors are elaborated in the normal peritoneal cavity and govern the migration of cells into and out of the peritoneal cavity. In preliminary studies this hypothesis has been experimentally supported by the finding that peritoneal fluid isolated from non-stimulated mice was effective in stimulating cell motility in vitro. To further explore this hypothesis, approaches will be used that will facilitate the isolation, concentration, and purification of chemotactic factors from the peritoneal fluid of non-stimulated animals so that specific components can be evaluated in one of several proven chemotaxis migration assay methods (blind-well assay method). In this study factor(s) that are chemotactic for cells of the normal peritoneal cavity will be isolated, purified by gel filtration, and assayed. Rabbit antisera against the chemotactic factor(s) from the normal peritoneal cavity will be prepared. This project is directed toward understanding the biochemical factors regulating the behavior of migratory cells in the peritoneal cavities of normal animals. Biochemical, immunological, in vitro migration assays, cell culture and electron microscope methods will be applied to this important fundamental problem.
