Neutrophil dysfunction in the rabbit model of spur cell anemia

In the rabbit model for spur cell anemia, animals fed a 5% cholesterol diet develop marked hypercholesterolemia and hemolytic spur cell anemia after several weeks on the diet. In vitro tests of granulocytes showed a 15% increase in cholesterol: phospholipid ratio, and decreased membrane fluidity measured with a fluorescent probe. Function tests revealed impairment of adherence, phagocytosis, and chemotaxis. Both a plasma factor and an intrinsic cellular defect appeared to contribute to the abnormal adherence. Bactericidal activity was normal. In vivo demargination in response to epinephrine was increased in animals on the diet, but exudation of granulocytes into sterile peritonitis fluid was diminished to 39.4% of control at 8 hours. Therefore, rabbits with experimental spur cell anemia have impaired in vitro and in vivo granulocyte function. The clinical significance of these findings for patients with spur cell anemia and less severe alcoholic liver disease is uncertain.