Glycosaminoglycan changes involved in polymorphonuclear leukocyte activation in vitro

The changes of cell coat and endocellular glycosaminoglycans associated with adhesion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to tissue culture dishes were studied by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are coated by chondroitin 4 sulphate, while undersulphated chondroitin 4 sulphate and heparan sulphate are present in the cytoplasm. Upon adhesion polymorphonuclear leukocytes shed into the culture medium chondroitin 4 sulphate and concomitantly hyaluronic acid and heparan sulphate are exposed at the cell surface and shed into the culture medium. The role of these compounds in polymorphonuclear leukocyte physiology is discussed.