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Polymorphonuclear leucocyte function in rheumatoid arthritis
Abstract:
Controversy exists over the function of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We found no difference in the phagocytic and migratory ability of PMN from 45 patients with RA, when compared with PMN from 19 RA patients who had a history of recurrent infection, and 40 normal healthy age- and sex-matched controls. We conclude that the increased incidence of bacterial infection reported in RA is not the consequence of an intrinsic defect in PMN function.
Insights
Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) function is not impaired in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This study found no difference in PMN phagocytic or migratory abilities, suggesting infections in RA are not due to intrinsic PMN defects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of bacterial infections.
- The role of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) in RA pathogenesis and infection susceptibility remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phagocytic and migratory functions of PMN in patients with RA.
- To determine if intrinsic PMN defects contribute to increased infection rates in RA.
Main Methods:
- Compared phagocytosis and migration assays of PMN from RA patients with those from healthy controls.
- Included RA patients with and without a history of recurrent infections.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in PMN phagocytic capacity between RA patients and controls.
- No significant differences were observed in PMN migratory ability between RA patients and controls.
- PMN function was comparable in RA patients with and without a history of recurrent infections.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that intrinsic defects in PMN phagocytic or migratory function cause increased bacterial infections in RA.
- The increased susceptibility to infection in RA may be attributed to factors other than intrinsic PMN dysfunction.