[RNA synthesis during neutrophil activation]

By means of electron-microscopic radioautography RNA synthesis in blood neutrophils of burn patients was studied. Activation by phagocytic subjects was found to increase overall level of RNA synthesis in blood neutrophils either by increasing the number of cells capable of synthesis, or increasing their number in line with the intensification of the process in each of these cells. Alteration of activation conditions influences the degree of RNA synthesis by both of these means. Wound neutrophils are activated cells with a high level of RNA synthesis and low compared to blood cells, level of protein synthesis and increased capability of adhesion as well. They contain in their numerous phagosomata tissue detritus more frequently than bacteria do. Wound neutrophils are subjected to rapid destruction; it is not possible to stimulate in them phagocytic activity by means of opsonized Pseudomonas aeruginosa.