Human granulocyte function during dextran infusion

The granulocyte function was determined in healthy persons before and immediately after the infusion of 500 ml of dextran for 4 hours. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction reflecting the metabolic activity of these cells was measured both in cells at rest and after stimulation with E. coli, as well as with and without the addition of plasma. In 13 persons, the NBT-reduction was slightly but significantly increased in all four types of experiments after the dextran infusion. When dextran was added in vitro to granulocytes from normal volunteers, the NBT reduction of these cells was increased and the effect was dose-dependent. A surface effect of dextran together with phagocytosis of dextran molecules are the most probable reasons for the elevated NBT-reduction. - In 9 persons tested, the bactericidal capacity was not significantly influenced by dextran infusion. - When dextran was added in vitro to granulocytes neither the bactericidal capacity nor the chemotactic and random migration of the cells were changed. -