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Polymorphonuclear cell motility, ankylosing spondylitis, and HLA B27

C T Pease, J N Fordham, H L Currey

    Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
    |April 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the presence of HLA B27 antigen are linked to enhanced polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) motility. This study investigated PMN function in AS patients and controls, revealing increased directed cell migration in those with AS or B27.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Rheumatology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine.
    • The human leukocyte antigen HLA B27 is strongly associated with AS, but its precise role in pathogenesis remains unclear.
    • Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) are key immune cells involved in inflammation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the functional characteristics of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
    • To determine if HLA B27 positivity influences PMN function in AS patients and healthy controls.
    • To assess PMN migration capabilities, a critical component of inflammatory responses.

    Main Methods:

    • Studied PMN function in 29 AS subjects (20 HLA B27+ve, 9 B27-ve) and 30 controls (15 B27+ve).
    • Measured random and directed PMN migration using two techniques: micropore filter and under-agar film assays.
    • Utilized casein-inactivated serum and zymosan-activated serum as chemo-attractants.

    Main Results:

    • Directed PMN migration was significantly increased in AS subjects compared to B27-ve controls.
    • Increased directed PMN motility was also observed in HLA B27+ve individuals (both AS patients and controls) compared to B27-ve controls.
    • Both tested methods indicated enhanced directed cell migration.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings suggest that ankylosing spondylitis itself is associated with enhanced PMN motility.
    • Possession of the HLA B27 antigen is also linked to increased PMN motility, independent of AS.
    • These results indicate a potential role for altered PMN function in the pathogenesis of AS and highlight the influence of HLA B27 on immune cell behavior.

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