[Activation of neutrophils in allergic asthmatics]

Neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) of the neutrophils in asthmatic patients during attacks and in remission and normal controls were determined. The results showed that NCA and activity of MPO in asthmatic patients during attacks were significantly higher than those in remission and in the controls. There was no difference of either NCA or the activity of MPO between asthmatic patients in remission and the controls. There was definite correlation between NCA and activity of MPO in asthmatic patients during attacks, but no correlation between the asthmatic patients in remission and the controls. The results suggest that chemotaxis and activation of neutrophils by neutrophil chemotactic factor may play an important role in pathophysiology of asthma.