Activation of neutrophil oxidative metabolism during cardiopulmonary bypass with membrane oxygenators

Neutrophil oxidative metabolism was prospectively assessed in 9 consecutive patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with polypropylene hollow fiber oxygenators for open cardiac operations. Blood samples were collected at 10, 20, and 30 min of CPB. The generation of oxygen-free radicals by neutrophils was measured as luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence after stimulation with opsonized Zymosan and Phorbol Myristate Acetate. A significant increase in light emission was detected by using both the chemiluminescence stimulators. These data suggest that the contact of patient blood with foreign surfaces during cardiopulmonary bypass results in activation of phagocyte cells.