Phagocytic function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the RES in endotoxemia

The reticuloendothelial system (RES) and the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are thought to play a major role in defense against sepsis. Disturbances in the function of these two phagocytic systems during a septic event is associated with the development of lung capillary injury. Endotoxemia is said to lead to similar changes. Our study examined the function of the RES and PMNs after bolus injection of endotoxin (2 micrograms/kg BW) in a standardized sheep model. For up to 24 hr after endotoxin, blood samples were drawn and PMN function was followed by chemiluminescence, chemotaxis, and adherence as well as the phagocytosis and killing of bacteria. RES function was determined by the blood clearance of a labeled Tc99 colloid. We found an increase of RES clearance directly after endotoxin. Chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and killing were reduced. Adherence was increased. Chemiluminescence peak maximum (CLPM), representing the metabolic activity of the PMNs, was initially increased but shortly thereafter showed a significant decline (at 1 hr: 0.52 +/- 0.13 X 10(6) cpm with P less than 0.05 compared to baseline). The chemiluminescence peak time (CLPT), a measure of membrane receptor function, was significantly reduced (10.0 +/- 2.2 min with P less than 0.001 compared to baseline). Endotoxin led to a reduction of intracellular PMN functions (phagocytosis, killing, CLPM) within 1 hr. Membrane localized functions (adherence, CLPT) were increased. The changes in PMN function might be the reason for the development of lung capillary injury, in spite of undisturbed RES clearance.     

Superoxide production by neutrophils in a model of adult respiratory distress syndrome

Neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) are thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by the release of toxic oxygen metabolites. This study investigated superoxide production by circulating and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) PMNs in a rat model of ARDS induced by chronic Escherichia coli (lipopolysaccharide) endotoxemia. Superoxide production was stimulated by fmet-leu-phe, opsonized zymosan, and phorbol myristate acetate. Circulating and BAL PMNs from lipopolysaccharide-infused rats compared with PMNs from control rats are primed for nonselective increased superoxide production. The BAL PMNs are not only partially primed to release superoxide on adherence, they concomitantly have a depressed superoxide response to a phagocytic (opsonized zymosan) stimulus. These PMN responses may partially explain both the pulmonary injury and the increased susceptibility to pulmonary infection seen in patients with ARDS.     

Anti-CD18 antibody attenuates neutropenia and alveolar capillary-membrane injury during gram-negative sepsis.

Activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) associated with sepsis. Adhesion of activated PMNs to endothelial monolayers is mediated by the CD18 adhesion-receptor complex on the PMN cell surface. Monoclonal antibody 60.3 (MoAb 60.3) blocks CD18-dependent PMN-endothelial adhesion in vitro and in vivo. This study was designed to determine the role of CD18-dependent PMN adhesion in ALI associated with gram-negative sepsis. Anesthetized, ventilated (FiO2 0.5, positive end-expiratory pressure 5 cm H2O) pigs received sterile saline (control, n = 8) or live Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5 x 10(8) colony-forming units/ml at 0.3 ml/20 kg/min (septic, n = 9) for 1 hour. A third group (n = 7) received MoAb 60.3, 2 mg/kg intravenously, 15 minutes before Pseudomonas infusion. Animals were studied for 300 minutes. MoAb 60.3 significantly (p less than 0.05) attenuated the neutropenia seen in sepsis (15 +/- 1 vs 6 +/- 1 x 10(3) PMNs/mm3 at 300 min). Alveolar-capillary membrane injury was assessed by bronchoalveolar-lavage protein content and extravascular lung water determination. MoAb 60.3 significantly (p less than 0.05) reduced BAL protein at 300 minutes (388 +/- 75 vs 1059 +/- 216 micrograms/ml in septic animals) and attenuated the increase in extravascular lung water to 240 minutes (7.1 +/- 2 vs 14.2 +/- 1.2 ml/kg in septic animals). Systemic hypotension, decreased cardiac index, pulmonary hypertension, and relative hypoxemia, all characteristic of this model, were not altered by MoAb 60.3. These data suggest that, in this model of septic ALI, neutropenia is, in part, CD18 dependent and that blocking CD18-dependent PMN adhesion protects the alveolar-capillary membrane independently of altered hemodynamic status.     

Neutrophil priming and apoptosis in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis

BACKGROUND: Interactions between anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) and primed neutrophils (PMNs) may be central to the pathogenesis of primary small vessel vasculitis. PMNs from patients are primed, expressing proteinase 3 (PR3) on the cell surface, which permits interaction with ANCA. In vitro ANCA activates primed PMN to degranulate and generate a respiratory burst. Resultant reactive oxygen species are important in triggering apoptosis, but the fate of PMN in ANCA-associated vasculitis is unknown. Failure to remove apoptotic PMN in a nonphlogistic manner may sustain the inflammatory response. METHODS: PMNs from patients or controls were isolated, and the basal production of superoxide was measured by the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of ferricytochrome C. ANCA antigen expression on apoptotic PMN was assessed at 0, 12, and 18 hours by flow cytometry using dual staining with FITC-conjugated annexin V and PE-conjugated anti-murine IgG against monoclonal ANCA. Apoptosis was also assessed by morphology. In further studies, apoptotic PMNs were opsonized with monoclonal anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) or anti-proteinase-3 (PR3) or irrelevant isotype-matched IgG (N IgG) and phagocytosis by macrophages was measured using interaction assays. Cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Proteinase-3 expression (active 63.04 +/- 5.6% of total number of cells, remission 51.47 +/- 7.9% of total number of cells, control 17.7 +/- 4.7% of total number of cells, P < 0.05) and basal superoxide production (active 6.9 +/- 0.8 nmol/L x 10(6) cells, remission 5.15 +/- 0.4 nmol/L/10(6) cells, control 3.63 +/- 0.3 nmol/L/10(6) cells, P < 0.001) were significantly greater with freshly isolated PMN from patients than controls. PR3 expression and superoxide generation were positively correlated. PMN from patients with active disease became apoptotic at a greater rate than those of controls (at 18 hours, patients 72.3 +/- 3.9% apoptosis, controls 53.2 +/- 2.7% apoptosis, P < 0.05). PR3 and MPO expression were significantly greater on PMN isolated from patients at 12 and 18 hours. Opsonization of apoptotic PMN with ANCA significantly enhanced recognition and phagocytosis by scavenger macrophages (anti-MPO 88.95 +/- 6.27, anti-PR3 93.98 +/- 4.90, N IgG 44.89 +/- 3.44, P < 0.01) with increased secretion of IL-1 (anti-PR3 34.73 +/- 6.8 pg/mL, anti-MPO 42.01 +/- 12.3 pg/mL, N IgG 8.04 +/- 6.3 pg/mL, P < 0.05) and IL-8 (anti-PR3 8.97 +/- 0.93 ng/mL, anti-MPO 8.45 +/- 1.46 ng/mL, N IgG 0.96 +/- 0.15 ng/mL, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In vivo circulating PMNs are primed as assessed by PR3 expression and basal superoxide production, thereby enhancing their inflammatory potential. These PMNs undergo apoptosis more readily, at which times they express PR3 and MPO on their surface. These antigens may then provide targets for ANCA. Opsonization of apoptotic PMN will enhance clearance by macrophages but will also trigger the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that may contribute to chronic inflammation.     

Increased protein loss during peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis is neutrophil dependent

BACKGROUND: Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients is accompanied by an enhanced migration of neutrophils (PMNs) and increased protein loss into the peritoneal cavity; however, the role of PMNs in governing increased protein loss during peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis is unknown. METHODS: We determined the importance of PMNs in governing changes in peritoneal permeability to protein in New Zealand White rabbits in which acute peritonitis was induced by adding 4 x 106 colony-forming units of Escherichia coli to 35 mL/kg of 0.9% saline dialysate. The total leukocyte and PMN migration into the peritoneal cavity was assessed by differential cell counts in the dialysate, and peritoneal permeability to protein was evaluated by calculating the dialysate to plasma concentration ratio for total protein as a function of time during a six- or eight-hour dwell. In series 1 experiments, leukocytes were depleted from the rabbit circulation by an intravenous injection of mustine (1.2 mg/kg) three days before the experiment; in series 2 experiments, integrin-dependent PMN migration into the peritoneal cavity was inhibited by an intravenous injection of monoclonal antibody (mAb) 60.3 (2 mg/kg) directed against the integrin CD18 on leukocytes five minutes before the experiment. RESULTS: In series 1 experiments, mustine decreased circulating leukocytes by 82 +/- 5% (mean +/- SEM) and circulating PMNs by 93 +/- 3%. Total leukocyte and PMN migration into the peritoneal cavity and peritoneal permeability to protein were decreased in mustine-treated rabbits after exposure to E. coli in the dialysate to levels similar to those found in rabbits without bacterial peritonitis. In series 2 experiments, an intravenous injection of anti-CD18 antibody also abrogated both the enhanced PMN migration into the peritoneal cavity and the increased peritoneal permeability to protein after exposure to E. coli in the dialysate. CONCLUSIONS: PMN migration into the peritoneal cavity is integrin dependent. Increased protein loss during acute, gram-negative bacterial peritonitis in a rabbit model of peritoneal dialysis is PMN dependent.     

Intraabdominal sepsis: effects on polymorphonuclear leukocyte Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis

In vitro studies have shown that phagocytic cells are capable of undergoing activation in response to inflammatory signals and that the activation process is quite complex. A relationship between polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis and oxidative metabolism has been seen in humans. We have sequentially examined circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from a total of 13 postoperative swine with either no sepsis, untreated intraabdominal sepsis, or treated intraabdominal sepsis to determine phagocytic activity over 8 postoperative days (POD). Products of the oxidative burst (i.e., myeloperoxidase) reduced the phagocytic activity of nonseptic swine PMN. Phagocytic activity was augmented by inhibiting the nonseptic swine oxidative burst with 10 mM sodium azide (an inhibitor of myeloperoxidase). In swine with untreated intraabdominal sepsis, PMN Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis exhibited a biphasic response. An initial (between POD1 and POD4) increase in PMN function was followed by a subsequent (between POD4 and POD8) decrease in PMN function. Partial preservation of phagocytic capability was seen when swine were reexplored on POD4 and had their intraabdominal sepsis treated. These results indicate that (1) as in humans, nonseptic swine PMN Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis is augmented by inhibition of the PMN respiratory burst; (2) untreated intraabdominal sepsis produces an initial increase and subsequent decrease in PMN Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis; (3) early treatment of intraabdominal sepsis results in partial restoration of PMN Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis.     

Neutrophil CD18 expression and blockade after traumatic shock and endotoxin challenge.

OBJECTIVE: The expression of the leukocyte CD18 adhesion complex on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was measured, and the physiologic effects of blockade of the complex were studied after trauma and sepsis. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Margination of PMNs occurs early during inflammation and depends, in part, on expression of the CD18 adhesion complex. Blockade of this adherence complex can reduce PMN-mediated damage. This study tests the hypothesis that PMN activation after resuscitated trauma produces an occult endothelial injury that increases the vulnerability to a delayed inflammatory stimulus. METHODS: Anesthetized (fentanyl) mongrel pigs were sham injured or fluid resuscitated from soft tissue injury +35% hemorrhage. Systemic blood was collected at 24-hour intervals from awake animals. The CD18 density on circulating PMNs was determined with flow cytometry using mean channel fluorescence (MCF). The CD18 receptors were blocked with monoclonal antibodies either immediately before trauma or immediately before an endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) challenge that was administered to all groups 3 days after the shock episode. Bronchoscopy was performed before trauma, pre-LPS, and post-LPS, and protein content was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). RESULTS: Mean channel fluorescence was reduced on PMNs for 48 hours in animals with trauma versus animals with sham injuries. Anti-CD18 therapy produced higher circulating PMN counts compared with nontreated sham or shock groups. The incremental rise of BAL protein after shock was prevented with anti-CD18; the increment after LPS was attenuated. Anti-CD18 was administered before trauma and reduced the fluids necessary to maintain cardiac filling pressures after LPS. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that PMNs are activated after resuscitation from traumatic shock and that these cells produce an endothelial injury that may increase the vulnerability to a septic challenge. The broad implication is that temporarily blocking PMN adhesiveness at the time of trauma might salvage some host tissue and reduce the incidence of septic complications in the post-trauma period.     

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and neutrophil-related changes in local host defense during recovery from shock and intra-abdominal sepsis.

BACKGROUND: We have reported that treatment with exogenous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) improves abscess localization and reduces mortality without aggravating neutrophil (PMN)-mediated reperfusion injury in a model of septic abdominal trauma. The purpose of this study was to determine actions of G-CSF on PMN function in the peritoneum. METHODS: Anesthetized swine were pretreated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and underwent cecal ligation and incision and 35% hemorrhage (trauma). After 1 hour they were resuscitated with shed blood, crystalloid, and either G-CSF (n = 10) or saline solution vehicle (n = 9). The animals were observed for 72 hours. RESULTS: After trauma, saline solution treatment increased PMN infiltration into the peritoneum within 2 hours (P = .035), increased peritoneal PMN elastase production (i.e., cytotoxicity) by 24 hours (P = .004), and decreased adherence of peritoneal PMNs to an artificial substrate from 4 to 72 hrs (P = .043). The mean autopsy score was 7.0 +/- 0.5. With G-CSF treatment peritoneal neutrophilia was enhanced (maximum 48 hours, P = .002) and PMN cytotoxicity was augmented and delayed (maximum 48 hours, P = .004). Despite these changes, adherence of peritoneal PMNs was not significantly changed and there was no evidence for PMN-mediated damage in the lung as judged by bronchoalveolar lavage protein, bronchoalveolar lavage PMNs, lung tissue myeloperoxidase, or histologic changes. The mean autopsy score was improved to 4.1 +/- 0.3 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: G-CSF in resuscitation fluids improved localization of an intra-abdominal septic focus by increased production of circulating PMNs, increased PMN extravasation into the peritoneal cavity, and increased PMN cytotoxicity at the abdominal septic focus, without exaggerating PMN-dependent reperfusion injury in the lung. Therefore these data further support the idea that G-CSF in resuscitation fluids might reduce septic complications in the multiply injured trauma patient.     

Blood and peritoneal neutrophil (PMN) adherence in rabbits: the effects of hemoglobin, peritoneal fluid, and infection

Neutrophil (PMN) adherence is an important first step in PMN migration. Peritoneal fluid and hemoglobin have been implicated as inhibitors of blood PMN function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of peritoneal fluid and hemoglobin on PMN adherence in both blood and peritoneal PMNs. Adherence was measured by nylon fiber filtration. Control blood PMNs were obtained from rabbit heparinized blood. Control peritoneal PMNs were obtained by saline lavage 18 hr after the intraperitoneal instillation of hypertonic saline. Infected blood and peritoneal PMNs were similarly obtained from rabbits which had undergone appendiceal devascularization 18 hr earlier. Blood and peritoneal PMNs were tested in normal saline, serum, hemoglobin, and peritoneal fluid from infected and noninfected rabbits. Cell adhesiveness of blood and peritoneal neutrophils from infected and noninfected rabbits was similar in all groups. In normal saline and serum, cell adhesiveness was approximately 70%. In hemoglobin and peritoneal fluid, all groups of neutrophils showed a statistically significant decrease in cell adhesiveness. Based on these data we conclude: (1) Blood and peritoneal PMNs with and without infection have similar adherence. (2) Both hemoglobin and peritoneal fluid inhibit PMN adherence.     

Recombinant erythropoietin reverses polymorphonuclear granulocyte dysfunction in iron-overloaded dialysis patients

Iron overload increases the risk of bacterial infection in dialysis patients, partly by impairing functions of the polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs). PMN defence was studied sequentially in haemodialysis patients with transfusional haemosiderosis, treated for 6 +/- 1.5 months (n = 8) to 13 +/- 1.7 months (n = 4) with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo). Over this period, signs of iron overload (increased serum ferritin and serum iron) improved, and stainable iron disappeared in PMNs. Simultaneously, phagocytosis of Yersinia enterocolitica by PMNs improved. The decrease in serum ferritin was significantly related to the improved phagocytosis. Killing of Y. enterocolitica by PMNs also improved. It is anticipated that rHuEpo therapy in iron-overloaded dialysis patients could decrease the incidence of bacterial infection by improving PMN functions in these patients.     

Neutrophil activation in sepsis. The relationship between fmet-leu-phe receptor mobilization and oxidative activity

To elucidate further the manifestations and mechanisms of neutrophil (PMN) activation, PMNs from control and septic subjects were studied at baseline and under conditions of graded, in vitro activation. At baseline (4 degrees C PMN isolation), septic-derived PMNs were activated, as manifested by twofold increases in fmet-leu-phe (FMLP)-induced oxidative activity and concomitant FMLP surface receptor expression, compared with controls. Following degranulationlike maximal activation (phorbol myristate acetate pretreatment), both PMN populations exhibited maximal FMLP-induced oxidative priming and receptor up-regulation. However, following exudation-like moderate activation (37 degrees C pretreatment), control PMNs underwent significant receptor mobilization and oxidative priming but septic-derived PMNs exhibited oxidative deactivation (decreased FMLP-induced oxidative activity) without changes in FMLP receptor expression. Our data support the theory that while circulating PMNs in sepsis may promote oxidant-related microvascular lung injury, their oxidative deactivation following transpulmonary exudation (simulated by 37 degrees C pretreatment) may underlie the increased incidence of pulmonary infections seen in sepsis-induced adult respiratory distress syndrome.     

Alteration of chemoattractant receptor expression regulates human neutrophil chemotaxis in vivo

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the mechanisms that regulate human neutrophil delivery in vivo, as well as the mechanisms that lead to observed reduction in polymorphonuclear (PMN) delivery to remote sites in septic patients. METHODS: Alterations in human PMN chemoattractant receptor expression and chemotactic function in vivo were evaluated in two distinct experiments: exudate PMNs (PMNs that have undergone transmigration to skin window blisters in controls) and septic PMNs (circulating PMNs from septic patients in the intensive care unit) were both separately compared with control circulating PMNs. RESULTS: Exudate PMNs displayed increased C5a receptors and C5a chemotaxis, and reduced interleukin-8 receptors (both IL-8 RA and IL-8 RB) and IL-8 chemotaxis. Septic PMNs displayed reduced C5a and IL-8 receptors and decreased C5a chemotaxis but no change in IL-8 chemotaxis. IL-8 but not C5a receptor gene expression decreased in parallel to receptor alteration. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that change in PMN chemoattractant receptor expression serves to regulate PMN chemotaxis in vivo; that exudate PMN chemotaxis depends more on C5a than IL-8; and that diminished chemoattractant receptors and chemotaxis in septic PMNs may explain decreased PMN delivery in these patients.     

严重烧伤早期大鼠中性粒细胞、巨噬细胞凋亡实验研究

目的探讨严重烧伤后中性粒细胞(PMN)凋亡及烧伤血清刺激后PMN、巨噬细胞(Mφ)凋亡,以及巨噬细胞吞噬凋亡PMN的变化.方法选用Ⅲ度30%TBSA烧伤大鼠模型,收集伤后0、6、12、24hPMN,分离伤后24h烧伤血清,应用流式细胞技术检测PMN凋亡百分率;同时收集大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞,检测烧伤血清对Mφ凋亡变化的影响及烧伤后24h大鼠腹腔Mφ对凋亡PMN吞噬能力.结果伤后大鼠PMN凋亡百分率明显降低,伤后6、12、24h各时相点无显著差异.烧伤大鼠血清刺激24h后,PMN凋亡百分率为(15.4±1.2)%,较正常大鼠血清刺激后(50.6±3.9)%显著降低;而Mφ凋亡百分率为(23.2±2.1)%,较正常大鼠血清刺激后(¨.5±1.6)%增多;严重烧伤后大鼠腹腔Mφ对凋亡PMN吞噬能力由(35.0±2.6)%降至(21.8±2.1)%.结论严重烧伤后及在烧伤血清刺激下大鼠PMN凋亡延迟,Mφ吞噬凋亡PMN能力降低,可能凋亡的PMN被Mφ吞噬不完全,最终坏死,释放毒性内容物,是引发SIRS的重要因素之一.     

Early trauma polymorphonuclear neutrophil responses to chemokines are associated with development of sepsis, pneumonia, and organ failure

OBJECTIVES: The modulation of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function by injury is unpredictable, and can predispose either to hyperimmune states (adult respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], multiple organ failure) or to immune dysfunction, infection, and sepsis. Such outcomes have been related to excess production of the CXC chemokine interleukin (IL)-8, but PMN responses to IL-8 are mediated by both the relatively stable and IL-8 specific CXC receptor 1 (CXCR1) and the labile, promiscuous CXCR2. We hypothesized that progression to septic and multiple organ failure outcomes could be related to early differences in PMN CXC receptor status. METHODS: PMNs were isolated 12 +/- 3 hours after injury from 15 major trauma patients (Injury Severity Score of 34 +/- 2, 11 men and 4 women, age 36 +/- 4 years) who survived at least 7 days. Volunteer normal PMNs (n = 6 donors) were studied for comparison. Cells were stimulated either with the CXCR2 specific agent growth-related oncogene-alpha, or with IL-8, which stimulates CXCR1 and CXRR2. Receptor response was assessed as the mobilization of cell calcium. The development of ARDS, sepsis, and pneumonia was assessed according to standardized criteria. Day 1 receptor activity in the clinical groups was then compared by analysis of variance with Tukey's or t tests as appropriate. RESULTS: In patients that were otherwise comparable, CXCR2 responses were markedly diminished in the PMNs of patients who went on to sepsis and pneumonia, but were elevated in PMNs from the patients who went on to ARDS. CXCR1 responses were modestly lower in trauma patients than volunteers, but showed no significant variations among the various clinical outcome groups. CONCLUSION: The activity of PMN CXCR2 receptors soon after injury may be reflected in the later clinical sequelae of PMN activity. High CXCR2 activity may correlate with PMN hyperfunction and outcomes such as ARDS, whereas the loss of CXCR2 function in inflammatory environments may impair PMN functions in a manner that predisposes to pneumonia or sepsis. Early responses of PMN CXC receptors to injury may influence the clinical course of trauma patients.     

Comparison of blood and peritoneal neutrophil activity in rabbits with and without peritonitis

The neutrophil (polymorphonuclear cell, or PMN) function is an essential component of the host defense against infection. However, infection itself may alter PMN activity. To investigate both the effects of infection on PMN activity and PMN activity on survival, we evaluated control and infected blood and peritoneal PMN phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and superoxide anion production in rabbits with and without peritonitis. Control blood and peritoneal PMNs were obtained from noninfected rabbits which were subjected to intraperitoneal infusion of sterile hypertonic saline. Infected blood and peritoneal PMNs were obtained from rabbits which had undergone appendiceal devascularization and ligation 18 hr earlier. Phagocytosis was similar in all groups except for a threefold increase in normal peritoneal PMNs. Chemotaxis was inhibited by infection in the blood and peritoneal PMNs. Normal peritoneal PMNs also had decreased chemotaxis. Superoxide anion production was comparable in the infected and control blood; however, both control and infected peritoneal PMNs had elevated superoxide anion production. Of the infected rabbits, four died in 5 days or less. Of the six that lived, two developed intraabdominal abscesses. Blood and peritoneal PMN activity was similar in all rabbits despite their outcome. We conclude that (1) blood and peritoneal PMNs have different basal activities and responses to infection; (2) the milieu of the peritoneal cavity appears to alter the PMNs present; and (3) PMN activity did not predict morbidity or mortality.     

The effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma on neutrophil function

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) have been shown to regulate cell-mediated immunity and act as effective modifiers of immune function; however, their influence on neutrophil (PMN) function is not well defined. This study investigated the effect of these cytokines on PMN phagocytosis, respiratory burst, and complement receptor (C3b) expression. Human citrated whole blood was incubated with either phosphate-buffered saline (control), 20 micrograms Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), TNF (1, 10, or 100 units), or IFN-gamma (1, 10, or 100 units). Synergy was also assessed between TNF and IFN-gamma. Phagocytosis and respiratory burst were assayed by sequential incubation of blood with dichlorofluorescein diacetate followed by labeled Staphylococcus aureus. C3b receptor expression was assayed by labeled anti-CR3 monoclonal antibody. Measurements were expressed as the mean channel fluorescence of 2000 PMNs counted by flow cytometry. IFN-gamma alone at all doses had no effect on any of the parameters measured. TNF 1 unit/ml increased phagocytosis (666 +/- 47 vs 542 +/- 19), respiratory burst (326 +/- 33 vs 258 +/- 17), and C3b (374 +/- 42 vs 157 +/- 14; all P less than 0.05) over those of control. TNF also demonstrated dose-dependent PMN activation. The combination of TNF + IFN-gamma increased both respiratory burst and C3b compared to either agent alone. These data indicate that TNF enhances PMN function and cytokine interaction may be important in PMN activation.     

Ontogeny of fetal sheep polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytosis

Premature infants and neonates are vulnerable to bacterial sepsis. This susceptibility may be due to the relative immaturity of their immune systems. To determine if neonates and, in particular, premature infants have decreased polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) phagocytosis, we tested PMN phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus as a function of gestational age in the fetal lamb model. Because phagocytosis is made more efficient by the presence of opsonins in plasma, fetal and postnatal PMN phagocytosis were also measured after exposure to fetal and adult plasma. PMNs were isolated from fetal lambs at 104, 114, 124, and 141 days' gestation (term gestation for the fetal lamb is 145 days), as well as from 10-day-old neonatal sheep and adult sheep. Labeled S aureus were opsonized by incubation in either fetal or adult plasma, or left unopsonized for baseline values. Phagocytosis was measured as a percent of adult PMN phagocytosis after adult plasma opsonization. It was found that fetal PMN function is limited by two factors during the early third trimester: a primary defect in the ability of the PMN to phagocytose S aureus despite adequate opsonization, and the diminished ability of autologous fetal plasma to opsonize bacteria. The defect in PMN phagocytosis disappears late in the third trimester, but the inability of the fetal plasma to opsonize effectively continues until after birth.     

CD18 adhesion receptors, tumor necrosis factor, and neutropenia during septic lung injury.

Sequestration of neutrophils (PMNs) in the pulmonary microvasculature and associated neutropenia are characteristic features of experimental models of septic lung injury. The etiology of altered PMN kinetics during septic lung injury is uncertain, but may be partially due to increased adhesiveness of activated PMNs to pulmonary endothelium. This study examines the relationship between the expression of PMN CD18 adhesion receptors, the evolving neutropenia, and plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity in a porcine model of septic lung injury. Acute lung injury was induced by infusion of live Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5 x 10(8) CFU/ml at 0.3 ml/20 kg/min) for 60 min (Group Ps, n = 6). Control animals (Group C, n = 3) received a 60-min infusion of sterile 0.9% saline. CD18 expression of circulating PMNs was measured by quantitative immunofluorescent flow cytometry. Plasma TNF activity was measured by L929 fibroblast cytolytic assay. Group Ps developed a significant neutropenia by 30 min (14.9 +/- 2.5 vs 23.4 +/- 3.3 x 10(3) cells/microliter at baseline, P less than 0.05, ANOVA) with circulating neutrophils exhibiting significantly increased CD18 expression by 60 min (6.34 +/- 0.72 vs 5.01 +/- 0.52 equivalent soluble fluorescence molecules (ESFM) x 10(3) at baseline, P less than 0.05, ANOVA). Group Ps demonstrated a significant increase in plasma TNF activity by 30 min (2.5 +/- 0.9 vs 0.7 +/- 0.3 U/ml at baseline). There was no significant change in PMN count, PMN CD18 expression, or plasma TNF activity in Group C. In complimentary in vitro studies, porcine PMNs stimulated with recombinant human TNF-alpha (n = 5) demonstrated a time- and dose-dependent increase in CD18 expression.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Impaired leukocyte phagocytosis in patients undergoing hemihepatectomy for liver metastases.

Patients undergoing partial hepatectomy have an increased susceptibility to infection. To investigate whether this increased risk is related to impaired leukocyte function, we studied polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) phagocytosis in patients undergoing a hemihepatectomy because of liver metastasis (LM, n = 11) and in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery because of abdominal malignancy (AM, n = 8). Eight healthy volunteers (HVs) served as controls. Leukocyte suspensions were incubated with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Staphylococcus aureus, and phagocytosis was measured by flow cytometry. Preoperative PMN phagocytosis, in the presence of autologous plasma, was significantly less in patients with LM compared with patients with AM or HVs. This impaired phagocytosis was potentially restored in the presence of normal plasma. The decreased phagocytic capacity of PMNs from patients with LM was not related to levels of known plasma opsonins or phenotypic changes of PMNs. Rather, it was related to a deficiency of unidentified plasma factors. After surgery, the phagocytic capacity of PMNs of patients with AM decreased by approximately 30%, which correlated with decreasing levels of immunoglobulin G and C3. In conclusion, patients with LM had a decreased PMN phagocytic capacity before surgery. This impairment in phagocytosis disappeared 1 week after surgery. We propose that the presence of LM leads to a deficiency of factor(s) in the blood that impairs PMN phagocytic capacity.     

Dietary restriction impairs neutrophil exudation by reducing CD11b/CD18 expression and chemokine production

HYPOTHESIS: Patients with malnutrition are susceptible to infection. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are the major effector of the nonspecific immune response in host resistance to infection. Dietary restriction may impair PMN-mediated immunity in the peritoneal cavity by reducing PMN exudation, adhesion molecule expression on PMNs, and chemokine production. DESIGN: Randomized study of murine glycogen-induced peritonitis with dietary restriction. SETTING: University research laboratory. MATERIALS: Male C57BL/6J mice. INTERVENTIONS: Mice (N = 204) were assigned to ad libitum, moderate, and severe diet-restricted groups receiving mouse chow ad libitum (132 g/kg, 66 g/kg, and 33 g/kg daily for 7 days, respectively). After dietary restriction with or without 1 day of refeeding, mice were administered glycogen intraperitoneally to induce cell exudation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CD11b, CD18, and CD62L expressions on circulating PMNs, phagocytosis, and reactive oxygen intermediate production by exudative PMNs were measured after glycogen installation. The levels of PMN-specific chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), in peritoneal lavage fluid were also measured. These parameters were measured after glycogen installation in the refeeding experiment. RESULTS: Seven days of dietary restriction decreased CD11b/CD18 expression on circulating PMNs, MIP-2 levels in peritoneal lavage fluid, and subsequent PMN exudation into the peritoneal cavity early in peritonitis. Both CD11b and CD18 expression on circulating PMNs and MIP-2 levels correlated significantly with numbers of exudative PMNs. Seven days of dietary restriction also impaired phagocytosis, while up-regulating reactive oxygen intermediate production by exudative PMNs. Only 1 day of ad libitum refeeding normalized CD11b/CD18 expression with PMN exudation into the peritoneal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term dietary restriction impairs PMN exudation into local inflammatory sites in murine peritonitis by reducing CD11b/CD18 expression and MIP-2 production. Even brief nutritional replenishment in diet-restricted patients may improve host defense via restoring these PMN functions and chemokine production at local inflammatory sites.