Biochemical Defects of Polymorphonuclear and Mononuclear Phagocytes Associated with Disease

Killing Capacity of Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes in Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions

“…Evidence is accumulating that PMNL are equipped with very effective, though highly selective, oxygen-independent cytotoxic agents (Elsbach and Weiss, 1983). Moreover, in CGD, which is characterised by the absence of a respiratory burst, the susceptibility to infection of individuals varies considerably (Johnston, 1980). Experimental results suggest that the mechanisms PMNL employ against microorganisms in vitro vary, depending upon prevailing circumstances and the bacteria encountered.…”

Killing of gram-negative bacteria by polymorphonuclear leukocytes: role of an O2-independent bactericidal system.

“…However, it has become evident in recent years how variable the clinical course is of patients with CGD. Several patients with welldocumented CGD, i.e., whose leukocytes cannot mount a respiratory burst, have been reported to live reasonably normal lives with relatively few bacterial infections (24,25). The varying consequences of a presumably uniform absence of the respiratory burst suggest that abnormalities in addition to those connected to oxidative metabolism may contribute to impaired bactericidal activity of CGD cells.…”

Phagocytic activities in neonatal monocytes

“…As a result of the interaction of oxygen metabolites with excitable substrates within the cell a burst of chemiluminescence is also associated with phagocytosis [15]. The importance of this respiratory burst in bacterial killing is illustrated by individuals with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), whose phagocytes lack the ability to initiate these oxidative changes during phagocytosis and are unable to kill bacteria normally [8].…”