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Blood flow dependent granulocyte activation in membranes with and without complement activation
J Böhler1, J Donauer, P Schollmeyer
1Department of Medicine, University of Freiburg, FRG.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Synthetic membranes activate granulocytes, but not solely via complement system activation. Granulocyte activation is a blood flow-dependent phenomenon, independent of complement fragment levels in synthetic membranes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Synthetic membranes used in dialysis can interact with blood components.
- Complement system activation and granulocyte activation are known responses to biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of granulocyte activation by synthetic membranes.
- To determine the role of the complement system in this activation process.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of complement fragment C3a levels and granulocyte elastase release in patients undergoing dialysis with different synthetic membranes (PAN, PMMA).
- In vitro experiments assessing membrane material incubation with and without blood flow.
Main Results:
- Synthetic membranes, including PAN and PMMA, can lower plasma C3a levels.
- Granulocyte activation (elastase release) occurs with synthetic membranes, but shows no correlation with C3a levels.
- Granulocyte activation was observed during recirculation with blood flow (200 ml/min) but not during static incubation.
Conclusions:
- Granulocyte activation by synthetic membranes is not solely dependent on complement system activation.
- Blood flow appears to be a critical factor in inducing granulocyte activation with synthetic membranes.