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Acute asphyxia affects neutrophil number and function in the rat
1Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD.
Critical Care Medicine
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Physiologic stress from asphyxia impairs neutrophil function in rats, increasing sepsis risk. Neutrophil phagocytosis and bacterial killing were immediately reduced following asphyxia.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Physiology
Background:
- Physiologic stress impacts phagocytic cell function in adults.
- Neonatal neutrophils exhibit altered function compared to adult neutrophils.
- Asphyxia in neonates may further compromise neutrophil function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of acute asphyxia on systemic immunity.
- To evaluate the effect of asphyxia on neutrophil number and function in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- Prospective laboratory study using adult female Wistar rats.
- Induction of acute asphyxia via exposure to CO2 and cold stress.
- Assessment of arterial blood gas, neutrophil count, and neutrophil function (phagocytosis and bacterial killing).
Main Results:
- Asphyxia induced acute respiratory and metabolic acidosis in rats.
- Neutrophil count increased significantly by 72 hours post-asphyxia.
- Neutrophil phagocytosis and bacterial killing were impaired immediately after asphyxia and for up to 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Acute asphyxia in rats mimics human asphyxia, causing acidosis.
- Neutrophil function, specifically phagocytosis and bacterial killing, is immediately impaired post-asphyxia.
- Altered neutrophil function following asphyxia may elevate the risk of sepsis.