Sedimentation behavior of activated human granulocytes. Aggregation and volume effects

Human peripheral blood granulocytes (PMNs) obtained from normal adults were studied by an analytical gravity sedimentation system. Exposure of PMNs to endotoxin-activated serum (EAS) in a Ficoll density gradient containing Hank's balanced salt solution with calcium and magnesium produced significantly different sedimentation patterns compared to those from granulocytes exposed to normal serum under the same conditions. Experiments were performed to determine whether changes in granulocyte density, volume, shape, or aggregation were responsible for the sedimentation pattern of granulocytes exposed to EAS. The altered gravity sedimentation behavior of endotoxin-activated granulocytes was abolished when calcium and magnesium were not present in the Ficoll density gradient. Granulocyte aggregation was inhibited by the absence of calcium and magnesium in the medium during granulocyte stimulation, whereas the changes in granulocyte shape and volume associated with granulocyte stimulation were not affected. The data indicate that the altered granulocyte sedimentation pattern in the presence of EAS and calcium and magnesium was produced by granulocyte aggregation and not by changes in granulocyte volume or shape.