Neutrophil motility in Crohn's disease

Neutrophil motility in normal subjects and Crohn's disease patients was assessed using both double and single filter assay systems with n-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (FMLP) as the attractant, and in a single filter assay with Candida albicans in 10% serum as the attractant. Assays were performed in triplicate and included controls to eliminate the effect of random (non-stimulated) locomotion. After incubation at 37 degrees C, filters were fixed and stained and the numbers of neutrophils per filter field counted under the microscope. Stimulated migration was calculated by subtracting random from total migration. Compared to normal neutrophils, 56% more Crohn's disease neutrophils migrated towards FMLP in the double filter system (p = 0.01). With the single filter technique using FMLP as the attractant 58% more Crohn's disease neutrophils migrated (p = 0.002). With the single filter technique using C. albicans as the attractant 47% more Crohn's disease neutrophils migrated (p = 0.02). Neutrophil motility in patients with Crohn's disease is enhanced and results were not related to disease activity.