[ Multiple facets of the polynuclear neutrophil and study of its functions]

Blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes are professional phagocytes that eliminate from the body any invading microorganisms, but also release undesirable inflammatory mediators into the surroundings. The normal neutrophil function is dependent on the integration of chemotaxis, phagocytosis, degranulation and oxidative metabolism. Available in vitro assays have allowed the quantitative evaluation of each separate function and the description of congenital, acquired or transitory neutrophil abnormalities.