Phagocytosis of latex beads by a human gingival epithelial-like cell line in tissue culture.

Phatocytosis by a human gingival epithelial-like cell line in tissue culture was studied using latex beads as a marker. Electron microscopic and chemical analyses revealed that the cells ingested the beads in a quantitative and reproducible manner. This phagocytosis system is potentially useful for studying the effects of dental plaque on cell metabolism.