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Age related variations of some polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Aging affects polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs), with increased chemiluminescence and altered glutathione levels. These changes, particularly in males, suggest sex-related aging processes in immune cells and potential roles in age-related disorders.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) are crucial immune cells.
- Aging is associated with biochemical alterations in immune cells.
- Sex differences in aging processes are increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related biochemical changes in human PMNLs.
- To determine if these changes differ between aged males and females.
- To explore the functional implications of these alterations in aging.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL) in PMNLs.
- Measurement of reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GS-SG) levels.
- Assay of elastase-like protease (ELP) activity and beta-glucuronidase (beta-G) release.
Main Results:
- Increased basal LDCL and decreased basal GSH/GS-SG in aged PMNLs.
- Greater LDCL enhancement in aged males compared to aged females.
- Diminished GSH/GS-SG response during phagocytosis in aged subjects.
- Markedly increased ELP activity in aged males.
- Intensive release of beta-G and ELP upon stimulation in aged PMNLs.
Conclusions:
- PMNL aging exhibits sex-related differences.
- Altered PMNL biochemistry with age may contribute to age-related disorders.
- Specific enzymes like ELP and beta-G released by aged PMNLs are implicated in age-related conditions.