Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
08:33
A Method for Generating Pulmonary Neutrophilia Using Aerosolized Lipopolysaccharide
Published on: December 15, 2014
Neutrophil apoptosis, proinflammatory mediators and cell counts in bronchiectasis
A P Watt1, V Brown, J Courtney
1Respiratory Research Group, Centre for Infection, Inflammation and Repair, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK. a.watt@qub.ac.uk
Thorax
|February 27, 2004
Summary
Antibiotic treatment for bronchiectasis exacerbations reduces inflammatory mediators and alters neutrophil cell death. This suggests improved clearance of inflammatory cells in the airways after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bronchiectasis is characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and elevated proinflammatory mediators in airway secretions.
- Acute exacerbations involve significant inflammatory responses in the lower airways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of antibiotic treatment on neutrophil apoptosis and necrosis during bronchiectasis exacerbations.
- To assess changes in inflammatory mediator concentrations following antibiotic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Sputum induction was performed on 15 patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis at the start of an exacerbation and after intravenous antibiotic treatment.
- Neutrophil apoptosis and necrosis were quantified using flow cytometry and morphological analysis.
- Sputum supernatant was analyzed for key inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-8, and neutrophil elastase.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic treatment significantly reduced neutrophil counts and concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-8, and neutrophil elastase in sputum.
- Patients with bronchiectasis exhibited a lower percentage of viable cells and a higher percentage of secondary necrotic cells compared to healthy controls, both before and after treatment.
- Macrophage percentages in sputum were lower in bronchiectasis patients than in controls.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic therapy for bronchiectasis exacerbations effectively modulates inflammatory mediator levels.
- The findings indicate that antibiotic treatment influences neutrophil cell death pathways and potentially alters inflammatory cell clearance in bronchiectasis.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:26Acute Inflammation II: Cellular Phase
The cellular phase of acute inflammation is a tightly orchestrated sequence of events that recruits leukocytes, primarily neutrophils, to sites of tissue injury or infection. Following the initial vascular changes, this phase ensures effective immune cell migration, activation, and function at the affected site to eliminate pathogens and initiate tissue repair.Leukocyte Recruitment CascadeLeukocyte recruitment happens in four steps: margination, adhesion, transmigration, and chemotaxis. Reduced...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...