Measurement of 5'-nucleotidase in mouse peritoneal macrophages in listeriosis.

5'-Nucleotidase activity in peritoneal macrophages of mice was measured both before and after infection with Listeria monocytogenes in hosts which possessed high or low anti-listerial resistance either due to a genetically determined trait or as a result of splenectomy. Reduction in enzyme activity was directly related to the degree of infection that developed in the hosts and hence was inversely related to the level of anti-listerial resistance observed. Basal 5'-nucleotidase activity was significantly lower in noninfected hosts that possessed high anti-listerial resistance, possibly reflecting a higher level of native macrophage activation in these hosts.