Very rapid assay of polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis in vitro

We present a determination of migrated polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) migration in chemotaxis assay using a multiple chamber assembly consisting of disposable 96-well microplates. The PMNs migrated completely through a very thin filter (10 microns thickness) to increase the turbidity of the fluid in the lower compartment. The turbidity, which correlated with the number of the migrated PMNs, was instantly measured as absorbance at 660 nm by using a microplate reader. In comparison to the conventional Boyden chamber technique, this method offers significant advantages, including improvement of sensitivity to chemoattractant so as to detect 0.025% zymosan-activated serum, elimination of tedious filter staining and microscope counting, and permits the use of a microplate reader for instant measurement of PMN migration.