| Abstract: | Summary The release of  -glucuronidase from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) is important in the killing of bacteria and in producing tissue damage in acute inflammation. To investigate the effects of various diseases or drugs on degranulation, we studied the kinetics of -glucuronidase release from PMNs exposed to opsonized zymosan. PMNs of children with bacterial infections demonstrated increased degranulation. Within 5, 15, and 30 min the PMNs released 19±3%, 23±3%, and 26±3% of total -glucuronidase compared to 12±2%, 15±2%, and 16±2% of total -glucuronidase of control PMNs. Viral infections induced a significant delay of -glucuronidase release from PMNs. Maintenance therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate, as well as administration of vincristine, diminished the degranulation. After 5, 15, and 30 min the PMNs released 8±1%, 10±1%, and 11±1%, as well as 6±3%, 8±2%, and 9±2% of total -glucuronidase. This study demonstrated that bacterial infections stimulate -glucuronidase release by PMNs. In contrast, cytostatic drugs inhibit lysosomal enzyme release, increasing the susceptibility to bacterial infections. The total enzyme activities were unchanged.Abbreviations c-AMP cyclic Adenosinemonophosphate - c-GMP cyclic Guanosinemonophosphate - PMNs polymorphonuclear LeukocytesSupported by DFG Ri 275/6-1Dedicated to Prof. Dr. E. Gladtke on the occasion of his 60th birthday |
