Leukemic cells as probes for sequential functional differentiation of the human granulocyte

The purpose of this study was to sequence the functional properties of the neutrophil during maturation, using leukemic cells as experimental probes. Twenty-nine cases of acute leukemia, derived from granulocytic precursors, were studied. The functional tests that were evaluated included phagocytosis, bactericidal activity, random locomotion, and chemotaxis. These functional properties were correlated with Fc receptors and the stimulated nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction test. The results indicated that the various functions of the neutrophil are acquired sequentially rather than concurrently. It is postulated that the sequence of functional differentiation is: phagocytosis leads to microbial killing leads to random locomotion leads to chemotaxis.