The effect of PHA-activated MN-cell supernatants on polymorphonuclear leucocyte function

Insights

PHA-activated mononuclear-cell supernatants enhance polymorphonuclear-leucocyte phagocytosis and surface charge but inhibit motility. Leucocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) activity loss suggests PMN interaction is key.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mononuclear-cell (MN) supernatants can modulate polymorphonuclear-leucocyte (PMN) functions.
  • Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) activation is a common method to stimulate MN cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of PHA-activated MN-cell supernatants on various PMN functions.
  • To assess the role of leucocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) in these interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of PMN with PHA-activated MN-cell supernatants.
  • Assessment of PMN electrophoretic mobility, directional motility, chemotaxis, phagocytic activity, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, glucose oxidation, and bactericidal capacity.
  • Absorption experiments using PMN, human MN cells, and guinea-pig peritoneal exudate cells to determine LIF activity.

Main Results:

  • Supernatants increased PMN negative surface charge and phagocytic activity, NBT reduction, and hexosemonophosphate shunt activity.
  • PMN directional motility was inhibited by sustained supernatant exposure.
  • Leucocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) activity was lost from supernatants after absorption with PMN, indicating specific interaction and acquired inhibition of PMN migration.

Conclusions:

  • PHA-activated MN-cell supernatants significantly alter PMN functions, enhancing some and inhibiting others.
  • Leucocyte inhibitory factor (LIF) in these supernatants plays a role in modulating PMN migration, with specific interaction involving PMN cells.