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Phagocytic function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in rheumatic diseases

R A Turner, R Schumacher, A R Myers

    The Journal of Clinical Investigation
    |July 1, 1973
    PubMed

    Insights

    Neutrophil phagocytosis is impaired in synovial fluid from all arthritis types. Rheumatoid arthritis neutrophils show the most significant defect, potentially due to immunoglobulin G-rheumatoid factor complexes.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Rheumatology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Neutrophils play a critical role in the immune response, particularly in phagocytosis.
    • Synovial fluid analysis can provide insights into joint inflammation and disease mechanisms in arthritis.
    • Previous studies suggest impaired neutrophil function in various inflammatory conditions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils from patients with different types of arthritis.
    • To investigate the influence of synovial fluid and serum components on neutrophil phagocytosis.
    • To explore the potential role of immunoglobulin G-rheumatoid factor complexes in neutrophil dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis.

    Main Methods:

    • Phagocytosis assay using yeast particles with peripheral blood and synovial fluid neutrophils.
    • Comparison of neutrophil function in sera and synovial fluids from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and miscellaneous arthritis patients.
    • In vitro experiments involving pre-incubation of neutrophils with monosodium urate crystals, oil red O, or immunoglobulin G-rheumatoid factor complexes.

    Main Results:

    • Phagocytosis by normal peripheral blood neutrophils was significantly reduced in all tested synovial fluids.
    • All synovial fluid neutrophils exhibited decreased phagocytic capacity across all media.
    • Rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid neutrophils demonstrated significantly lower phagocytosis compared to miscellaneous arthritis neutrophils.
    • Neutrophils pre-incubated with immunoglobulin G-rheumatoid factor complexes showed reduced yeast phagocytosis, correlating with rheumatoid factor titer.

    Conclusions:

    • Synovial fluid universally impairs neutrophil phagocytic capacity in arthritis patients.
    • Neutrophil dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid is more pronounced than in other arthritis types.
    • Ingestion of immunoglobulin G-rheumatoid factor complexes may contribute to the observed phagocytic defect in rheumatoid arthritis neutrophils.

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