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Microfluidic Platform for Measuring Neutrophil Chemotaxis from Unprocessed Whole Blood
10:13

Microfluidic Platform for Measuring Neutrophil Chemotaxis from Unprocessed Whole Blood

Published on: June 3, 2014

Enhancement of neutrophils function as a result of prior exposure to chemotactic factor

D E Van Epps, M L Garcia

    The Journal of Clinical Investigation
    |August 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Exposure to chemotactic factors enhances human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) function, boosting their chemiluminescence and bacterial killing. This improved PMN activity persists, potentially strengthening host defense at inflammatory sites.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Cell Biology
    • Host Defense Mechanisms

    Background:

    • Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are critical immune cells involved in host defense.
    • Chemotactic factors are known to attract PMN to sites of inflammation.
    • The functional consequences of PMN activation by chemotaxis are not fully understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the functional changes in PMN following exposure to chemotactic factors.
    • To determine if PMN migration through membranes alters their function.
    • To assess the duration of enhanced PMN activity and its potential role in host defense.

    Main Methods:

    • Human PMN were exposed to various chemotactic stimuli (casein, C5 fragment, f-Met-Leu-Phe).
    • PMN migration through 5-mum pore-size membranes was performed.
    • Chemiluminescence, superoxide anion production, and Escherichia coli bactericidal activity were measured.
    • In vivo studies in guinea pigs were conducted using casein-induced peritoneal inflammation.

    Main Results:

    • Exposure to chemotactic factors and migration through membranes enhanced PMN chemiluminescence, superoxide production, and bactericidal activity.
    • Enhanced activity was observed with diverse stimuli including soluble (concanavalin A, phorbol myristate acetate) and particulate (opsonized zymosan) agents.
    • Activated PMN maintained enhanced chemiluminescence for at least 2.5 hours.
    • In vivo studies confirmed enhanced PMN chemiluminescence in response to chemotaxis.
    • Enhanced activity did not correlate with changes in IgG Fc or complement receptor expression.

    Conclusions:

    • Chemotactic factor exposure and migration significantly enhance PMN functional responses, including chemiluminescence and bactericidal capacity.
    • These enhanced PMN functions are sustained and may contribute to improved host defense at inflammatory foci.
    • The findings suggest a mechanism by which PMN are primed for more effective action during inflammation.

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