Abstract
Alternate pathway complement activation end metabolic responsiveness of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were studied in eight premature neonates, gestational age 27 to 36 wks., by chemiluminescence (CL) assay. Zymosan, a yeast cell wall fragment known to activate alternate pathway, was used as the phagocytosable particle following opsonization by neonatal or adult serum. In the presence of adult opsonins both neonatal and adult PMNs gave comparable CL responses. However, in the presence of neonatal opsonins, a marked reduction in CL response by neonatal or adult PMNs resulted.
Granulocyte Chemiluminescence (cpm × 10−4/5 × 106 adult PMNs)
The results suggest that neonatal PMNs exhibit normal increases in oxidative metabolism (as reflected by CL responses) following the initiation of phagocytosis, but that neonatal serum is markedly deficient in its ability to generate opsonins via alternate pathway. This deficiency may constitute an important determinant in the predisposition of premature neonates to sepsis. Supported by WVU Senate and institutional grants and NIH Training grant GMO7039-02.
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Wilson, M., Truah, M., Dyke, K. et al. DETERMINATION OF OPSONOPHAGOCYTIC DEFECTS IN HUMAN NEONATES BY GRANULOCYTE CHEMILUMINESCENCE. Pediatr Res 11, 496 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00759
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00759