Age-dependent variations of intralysosomal enzyme release from human PMN leukocytes under various stimuli

The intralysosomal beta glucuronidase and elastase release from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) of young and aged male subjects were determined after 60-min incubation with 10 micrograms/ml Cytochalasin B (CB), 10(-6) M of Ca ionophore A 23187 and various concentrations of human low density lipoprotein (LDL). The beta glucoronidase secretion was triggered by both A 23187 and LDL; however, no significant differences were found between the enzyme release from PMNLs of young and aged subjects. In contrast, a marked elastase release was triggered in the young group only by LDL, whereas in the aged group, all of the applied drugs induced a significant elastase release. LDL caused the most dramatic enzyme release from PMNLs of aged males. It was concluded that the release of PMNL-elastase after LDL incorporation as well as by CB and Ca ionophore stimulation may be an age-related process.