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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties
Published on: June 19, 2015
Changes in superoxide anion production and phagocytosis by circulating neutrophils during tumor progression in a rat
1Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University Medical School, Debrecen, Hungary.
Abstract:
The functional state of circulating neutrophils was monitored in a rat model of mesoblastic nephroma during tumor progression. Superoxide anion (O2.-) production in response to PMA and phagocytosis of yeast particles (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were measured every second day after tumor cell implantation. Both phagocytosis and PMA-induced 02.- generation were found to be enhanced in the first period (on Days 6, 8, and 10), while they became significantly reduced in the advanced stage of cancer (on Days 12, 14, 16, and 18). The suppression of PMNL functions was accompanied with tumor progression and an increased number of neutrophils in the peripheral blood. Studies were also carried out on PMNLs isolated from normal rats and the cells were treated with plasma samples obtained from tumor-bearing animals at different stages of nephroma. Incubation of the normal cells with plasmas separated on the 2nd and 8th days of tumor growth influenced neither the 02.- generation nor the phagocytosis. In contrast, plasma preparations obtained on the 14th day significantly inhibited both 02.- production and phagocytosis by normal neutrophils. The alterations in 02'- generation and phagocytosis by PMNLs were observed in close association with tumor growth, thus they could be considered as indicators of tumor progression. However, further studies are required to see whether the granulocyte dysfunctions observed in our animal model could provide additional prognostic information in the case of human malignancies as well as to clarify the origin of inhibitory factor(s) present in the blood of tumorous animals.
Insights
Neutrophil function initially enhances then declines during rat mesoblastic nephroma progression. Plasma from advanced tumors suppresses normal neutrophil function, suggesting a potential indicator of cancer advancement.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neutrophils play a critical role in the immune response.
- Tumor progression can significantly alter immune cell function.
- Mesoblastic nephroma is a rare kidney tumor with complex biological behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional state of circulating neutrophils during mesoblastic nephroma progression in a rat model.
- To assess the impact of tumor-derived plasma on neutrophil function.
- To explore neutrophils as potential indicators of tumor progression.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring superoxide anion (O2.-) production and phagocytosis of yeast particles by neutrophils at regular intervals post-tumor implantation.
- Analyzing neutrophil function in response to PMA stimulation.
- Incubating normal rat neutrophils with plasma from tumor-bearing rats at different stages.
Main Results:
- Neutrophil phagocytosis and superoxide anion production were enhanced early in tumor development (Days 6-10).
- These functions were significantly reduced in advanced stages (Days 12-18), correlating with tumor progression and increased neutrophil counts.
- Plasma from rats with advanced nephroma (Day 14) significantly inhibited superoxide anion production and phagocytosis in normal neutrophils.
Conclusions:
- Neutrophil dysfunction, characterized by altered superoxide anion production and phagocytosis, is closely associated with mesoblastic nephroma progression in rats.
- Plasma from tumor-bearing animals contains inhibitory factors that impair neutrophil function.
- These functional alterations in neutrophils may serve as indicators of tumor progression, warranting further investigation for prognostic value in human malignancies.
