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Published on: April 16, 2019
Migration of leukocytes to human nasal mucosa
Abstract:
In order to perform their antimicrobial function PMN must be able to migrate from capillaries to tissues and mucusal surfaces. We found that cellophane squares placed against the nasal septum can stimulate a local cellular response resulting in the migration of granulocytes to the surface of the squares. Upon removal of the squares, adherent cells can be stained, identified, and quantitated. Studies in which the cellophane squares are left against the septum for 5 min reveal a dense monolayer of granulocytes (greater than 6 per 70 micrometer2) on only 7% +/- 2 of the surface of the square. After 2 hr against the nasal septum, a dense monolayer of granulocytes was found on 87% +/- 10 of the surface of the cellophane square. This technique provides a simple and noninvasive method for in vivo measurement of leukocyte migration.
Insights
This study introduces a simple method to measure leukocyte migration in vivo. Cellophane squares on the nasal septum effectively quantify granulocyte movement, aiding antimicrobial function research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are crucial for antimicrobial defense.
- PMN migration from capillaries to tissues and mucosal surfaces is essential for their function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a noninvasive in vivo method for measuring leukocyte migration.
- To quantify granulocyte accumulation on a test surface.
Main Methods:
- Cellophane squares were placed against the nasal septum to stimulate a local cellular response.
- Adherent cells on removed squares were stained, identified, and quantitated.
- The surface coverage of granulocytes was analyzed at different time points (5 min and 2 hr).
Main Results:
- After 5 minutes, only 7% of the square surface had a dense granulocyte monolayer.
- After 2 hours, 87% of the square surface showed a dense granulocyte monolayer.
- The technique demonstrated a significant increase in granulocyte accumulation over time.
Conclusions:
- Cellophane squares effectively stimulate and allow for the quantification of in vivo leukocyte migration.
- This method provides a simple and noninvasive approach to study PMN function.
- The findings support the use of this technique for research on inflammatory and immune responses.
