Serum myeloperoxidase and lactoferrin in neutropenia

Radioimmunosorbent assays for determination of serum content of the neutrophil proteins myeloperoxidase and lactoferrin are described. Serial studies were performed in patients with neutropenia. In 2 cases of cyclic neutropenia the myeloperoxidase level showed slight variations within the normal range during the cycle while lactoferrin displayed a clear correlation with neutrophil counts. In 1 case with persistent agranulocytosis myeloperoxidase was normal but lactoferrin was extremely low. During the regeneration phase of drug-induced neutropenia neutrophil counts and serum lactoferrin increased in a parallel fashion. Since serum myeloperoxidase was normal during profounded neutropenia it is suggested to derive primarily from myeloperoxidase-rich granulopoietic precursor cells of the marrow. Serum lactoferrin on the other hand seems to derive from leakage of more granulopoietic cells of blood and marrow. Studies of neutrophil proteins of serum may aid in evaluation of neutropenic patients.