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Hydroxyapatite phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leucocytes.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Hydroxyapatite crystals are readily phagocytosed by human neutrophils in vitro. This interaction leads to neutrophil degranulation and cell damage, suggesting a role for these crystals in causing human arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biomineralization
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hydroxyapatite crystals are a component of bone and cartilage.
- Their presence in joints can be associated with inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between hydroxyapatite crystals and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils).
- To assess the cellular response of neutrophils to hydroxyapatite crystals in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were incubated with hydroxyapatite crystals.
- Samples were analyzed using light and electron microscopy at various time points (3, 8, 30, and 120 minutes).
Main Results:
- Phagocytosis of hydroxyapatite crystals by neutrophils was observed as early as 3 minutes and increased over time.
- Neutrophil degranulation, loss of cytoplasmic density, and cell necrosis were significantly increased in the presence of hydroxyapatite crystals, correlating with incubation time.
Conclusions:
- Hydroxyapatite crystals are avidly phagocytosed by human neutrophils in vitro.
- The observed cellular damage supports the hypothesis that hydroxyapatite crystals can contribute to the pathogenesis of human arthritis.