RNA and protein synthesis in human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes purified from human peripheral blood synthesized RNA and proteins when placed in cell culture. Autoradiography of the cultured cells revealed that a majority of mature PMNs were engaged in macromolecule synthesis, and an analysis of newly synthesized proteins by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that many different polypeptide chains were synthesized by these cells. The rate of [3H]uridine incorporation and the pattern of newly synthesized proteins were modulated by Con A and glucocorticoids. These results suggest that in spite of their short lifetime and a large performed enzymatic apparatus, mature PMNs retain a substantial capacity for RNA and protein synthesis; and, further, that modulation of macromolecule synthesis forms part of the mechanism by which PMNs respond to inflammatory and anti-flammatory stimuli.