[An in vitro micromethod for studying phagocytic and bacteriocidal activity of granulocytes from peripheral blood]

A microcultivation method convenient for clinical objectives was prepared for simultaneous examination of phagocytic and bactericidal capability of human granulocytes, based on vital staining with acridine-orange. Slides, on which nonheparinized blood from the examined individuals was poured out drop by drop, were assembled on the microcultivation camera, constructed by us. After one hour incubation the clot was removed and a suspension from Staphylococcus aureus was poured out on the cellular film. After proper cultivation the adherent cells were stained with acridine-orange as the live bacteria and nuclei of intact granulocytes were stained green under the action of the dye, but the dead prokaryotes and degenerated nuclei-red. The phagocytic index, phagocytic number, bacteriocidal index were followed-up in dynamics and it was established that a 45-minute incubation appeared to be the most suitable for simultaneous examination of these parameters.