Influence of diesel soot particles and sulfite on functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Aqueous suspensions of diesel soot particles in combination with sulfite influence certain functions of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils in vitro. Chemiluminescence, generated after activation by opsonized zymosan as well as oxygen uptake were decreased, whereas phagocytosis was increased. An enhancement of degranulation could not be observed. The single substances show little or no effects on the above properties. The results indicate that combinations of air pollutants such as diesel soot and sulfite may modulate vital functions of activated leukocytes in vivo.