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Updated: May 21, 2026

Measuring Granulocyte and Monocyte Phagocytosis and Oxidative Burst Activity in Human Blood
Published on: September 12, 2016
Effects of life events and stress on neutrophil functions in elderly men
Kazumasa Tsukamoto1, Kazuhiko Machida
1Nihon Medi-Phisics, Co,, Ltd,, Tokyo, 3-4-10 Shinsuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 136-0075, Japan. kazumasa_tsukamoto@nmp.co.jp.
Background:
Psychological stress or life events might significantly decrease neutrophil function in elderly individuals and lead to infectious diseases. However, relationships between these factors have not been examined in detail.We investigated the relationships between neutrophil function measured using the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test and measurements of psychological stress and life events among 81 men aged over 60 years.
Results:
The numbers and scores for life events were significantly higher (p < 0.01, respectively) in a group with values reflecting phagocytosis below the median than in a control group.
Conclusions:
Chronic psychological stress due to life events decreases neutrophil functions among elderly men.
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