Animal model of neutropenia suitable for the study of dual-phagocyte systems

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Abstract
When 2 sets of phagocytic cells participate simultaneously in the inflammatory process and bacterial killing, the relative contribution of each cell type is difficult to ascertain. The use of cell-specific antibody will permit selective depletion of 1 phagocyte population. An experimental model of granulocytopenia is described which utilizes the immunoglobulin G fraction of an anti-granulocyte serum. This material markedly depleted circulating [mouse] polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN); within 2 h after injection of anti-granulocyte globulin, PMN counts were at 19% of original levels and remained significantly depressed for 24 h. Granulocyte recruitment was impaired, with only 5 .times. 103 PMN appearing in the lungs in response to an aerosol of Klebsiella [pneumoniae], compared to 4.17 .times. 105 PMN in control animals (P < 0.01). Most importantly, alveolar macrophages retained normal viability (97% vs. 94% for control value, P not significant), normal phagocytic function and normal bactericidal capacity. Anti-granulocyte globulin is a valuable tool for the study of bacterial defense mechanisms.