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[Changes in the granulocyte membrane in mucoviscidosis]
Abstract:
Important polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions are dependent on an intact cytoskeleton, consistent of the microtubulus and microfilament system. This can be assayed from the mobility of fluorescence labelled Concanavalin A (Con A) receptor complexes on the cell surface. Con A shows an uniform surface distribution on cells with an intact microtubulus system, whereas it's disruption causes a Con A cap formation. The alteration of the microtubulus and microfilament systems induces a patchy Con A distribution. Only 44% PMNs of 20 children with cystic fibrosis exhibited with a random Con A fluorescence distribution an intact cytoskeleton compared to 69% control PMNs. But 32% cystic fibrosis PMNs and 23% control PMNs showed a Con A capping phenomena, which is associated with a microtubulus alteration. In addition, 24% cystic fibrosis PMNs demonstrated a patchy fluorescence, representing a microtubulus and microfilament disruption, compared to 8% patched control PMNs. This study supports the idea, that the chronic bacterial infections cause in cystic fibrosis PMNs a cytoskeleton defect, which represents as a leukocyte-function defect an additional infection promoting factor.
Insights
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) cytoskeleton defects are common in cystic fibrosis, impacting immune function. These defects, linked to chronic infections, may promote further illness in cystic fibrosis patients.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are crucial immune cells.
- Cytoskeleton integrity, comprising microtubule and microfilament systems, is vital for PMN functions.
- Concanavalin A (Con A) receptor complex mobility assays surface distribution patterns, indicating cytoskeleton status.
Purpose:
- To investigate cytoskeleton integrity in PMNs from cystic fibrosis patients.
- To determine if chronic bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis impact PMN cytoskeleton.
- To assess the role of cytoskeleton defects as a potential infection-promoting factor in cystic fibrosis.
Summary:
- 44% of cystic fibrosis PMNs showed intact cytoskeleton compared to 69% of controls, based on Con A distribution.
- Con A capping (microtubule alteration) was observed in 32% of cystic fibrosis PMNs versus 23% of controls.
- Patchy Con A distribution (microtubule and microfilament disruption) was significantly higher in cystic fibrosis PMNs (24%) than controls (8%).
Impact:
- Findings suggest chronic bacterial infections induce PMN cytoskeleton defects in cystic fibrosis.
- These cytoskeleton defects represent a leukocyte-function impairment.
- This impairment may act as an additional factor promoting infection progression in cystic fibrosis.