Increased glycogen particles in neutrophils in endotoxin-treated rats

Leukocyte glycogen in rats was investigated by electron microscopy during the development of endotoxin shock. Although all white blood cells were examined, only mature neutrophils exhibited an increase in cytoplasmic glycogen. Such neutrophils were observed in the vascular spaces of liver, spleen, lung, and bone marrow including the hematopoietic compartment. The increase in glycogen occurred as early as 30 minutes after endotoxin treatment and continued steadily for 16 hours. The increased glycogen content in neutrophils may be due to increased glycogen synthesis. The increase in glucose uptake by neutrophils may contribute to the causes of hypoglycemia in the late phase of endotoxic shock.