Chemotaxis in normal and pathologic conditions

Under the influence of environmental chemical substances phagocytes are capable of directed migration towards chemoattractant concentration gradient (chemotaxis) and of increased speed of movement (chemokinesis). In the chain of events "triggered" by inflammation an important role is played by chemotaxis. The content of cell membrane enzymes, the level of cyclic nucleotides, mechanisms of ion transport, and ways of energy production change in response to the chemotaxic factor. Primary (congenital) and secondary (acquired) disorders of chemotaxis are distinguished. In detecting chemotaxis defects it is necessary to determine the capacity of cells for spontaneous migration in the absence of a chemical stimulation as well as the presence of serum inhibitors of chemotaxis. The study of cell receptor apparatus with the help of structurally defined chemotaxic factors as well as of the motor apparatus of the cell will give an insight into the concept of chemotaxis. At the same time, exerting an influence on chemotaxis simultaneously influences the inflammatory processes, therefore new approaches to treatment of inflammatory diseases may be developed by means of drugs modulating chemotaxis.