Functions of granulocytes and monocytes in primary biliary and alcoholic cirrhosis

Granulocytes and monocytes from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) were investigated with respect to the major functional activities involved in host defence against micro-organisms. Chemokinesis, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and intracellular killing of micro-organisms as well as the ability of these cells to consume O2 and convert it to H2O2 were all comparable to those of granulocytes and monocytes of healthy donors. Investigation of sera of PBC and AC patients revealed normal opsonic activity in sera from both sources and normal chemotactic activity in PBC sera. Compared with normal donor serum AC sera were less chemotactic for granulocytes but not for monocytes. This diminished chemotactic activity is probably ascribable to the presence of a specific inhibitor of granulocyte chemotaxis in AC serum. Taken together, these results indicate that a postulated defective functioning of phagocytic cells can not explain the frequent and serious infections observed in patients with chronic liver disorders.