Neutrophil migration in vitro and in vivo during hypothermia

The effect of hypothermia on pig leukocyte migration in vitro and in vivo was studied. Neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro under agarose was significantly impaired at 29 degrees C (2.7 +/- 0.6 [mean +/- standard error]; 37 degrees C, 7.1 +/- 1.1). Leukocytes isolated from hypothermic pigs and tested at 37 degrees C migrated normally (7.8 +/- 0.6). Neutrophil and monocyte migration in vivo was markedly reduced at 29 degrees C. Reduced inflammatory responses may contribute to increased infections during hypothermia.