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Monocytes constitute the only peripheral blood cell population showing an increased burst activity in multiple
Abstract:
We examined peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC), peripheral polymorphonuclear cells (PPNC), adherent mononuclear cells, non-adherent mononuclear cells, non-phagocytic mononuclear cells and non-phagocytic Percoll-fractionated mononuclear cells of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients for their spontaneous burst activity (BA). According to previous results PMNC of MS patients showed a markedly increased BA (p = 0.0002); PPNC, however, did not show significantly elevated values (p = 0.36). Further separation of PMNC and identification of the cells obtained by FITC-conjugated antibodies, esterase and Giemsa staining revealed high mean coefficients of correlation (r) between the BA and the number of esterase-positive cells (MO; r = +0.97) and the number of surface Ig-positive cells (B cells; r = +0.97). r was negative for the correlation between the BA and OKT3-positive cells (T cells; r = -0.99) and for the correlation between the BA and the number of large granular lymphocytes (r = -0.39). As in the range below 2,000 counts/10 s r is -0.5 between the BA and the number of B lymphocytes, while r is +1.0 between the BA and MO, and there are BA values below 500 counts/10 s although around 10% B cells but no MO are present, the results suggest that MO are the only cell population responsible for the increased BA in MS patients. Based on recent findings in our laboratory the results additionally indicate that in the peripheral blood interferon-gamma stimulates the BA of MO only.
Insights
Peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients show increased spontaneous burst activity (BA). Monocyte-derived cells (MO) are identified as the sole cell population responsible for this elevated BA in MS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
- Peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC) are implicated in the immunopathology of MS.
- Spontaneous burst activity (BA) is a measure of cellular oxidative metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific cell populations within PMNC responsible for increased spontaneous burst activity (BA) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- To determine the correlation between BA and different immune cell types in MS.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and fractionation of peripheral blood cells from MS patients.
- Assessment of spontaneous burst activity (BA) in various cell populations.
- Identification of cell types using FITC-conjugated antibodies, esterase, and Giemsa staining.
Main Results:
- PMNC from MS patients exhibited significantly increased BA (p = 0.0002).
- A strong positive correlation was found between BA and esterase-positive cells (monocyte-derived cells, MO; r = +0.97).
- Conversely, BA showed a negative correlation with T cells (r = -0.99) and large granular lymphocytes (r = -0.39).
Conclusions:
- Monocyte-derived cells (MO) are the primary cell population responsible for the elevated spontaneous burst activity in MS patients.
- Interferon-gamma in peripheral blood appears to specifically stimulate the BA of MO in MS.