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The aggregation of rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's): effects of agents which affect the acute inflammatory
Abstract:
Rabbit peritoneal exudate polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's) aggregate in shaken suspensions and their adhesiveness, as judged by the extent of aggregation, can be modified by various agents. Vasoactive amines, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, autonomic agonists, cholinergic agents, and adenine nucleotides have only minor inhibitory effects. Cytochalasin B, ionophore A23187, bacterial endotoxin, and the phagocytosis of bacteria all markedly increase adhesiveness. Enhanced aggregation correlates positively with increased secretion of lysosomal enzymes, although the contents of the secretory granules are mild inhibitors of aggregation. The implications of the linkage between the process of secretion and the increased adhesiveness of the cells are discussed.
Insights
Rabbit white blood cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), show increased stickiness when exposed to certain substances like bacterial endotoxin. This enhanced cell adhesion is linked to the release of enzymes, impacting immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are critical immune cells involved in inflammation and host defense.
- The adhesive properties of PMNs are crucial for their migration to sites of infection or injury.
- Factors influencing PMN adhesiveness are of significant interest in understanding inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aggregation and adhesiveness of rabbit peritoneal exudate PMNs.
- To identify agents that modify PMN adhesiveness.
- To explore the relationship between PMN secretion and enhanced adhesiveness.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit peritoneal exudate PMNs were used in shaken suspensions to assess aggregation.
- Various agents including vasoactive amines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and bacterial components were tested.
- Adhesiveness was quantified by the extent of cell aggregation.
- Lysosomal enzyme secretion was measured and correlated with aggregation.
Main Results:
- Minor inhibitory effects on PMN aggregation were observed with vasoactive amines, NSAIDs, and cholinergic agents.
- Significant increases in PMN adhesiveness were induced by Cytochalasin B, ionophore A23187, bacterial endotoxin, and bacterial phagocytosis.
- Enhanced PMN aggregation showed a positive correlation with increased lysosomal enzyme secretion.
Conclusions:
- Specific stimuli markedly enhance the adhesiveness of rabbit PMNs.
- Increased PMN adhesiveness is closely linked to the process of lysosomal enzyme secretion.
- The study discusses the implications of this linkage for cellular immune responses and inflammation.