Abstract
Neutrophil [human] hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt activity was measured by the conversion of 14C-1-glucose to 14CO2 during ingestion of polystyrene latex particles. Unconjugated bilirubin at theconcentration of 1 .times. 105 M markedly inhibited HMP shunt activity. Since HMP shunt activity of neutrophils is an important prerequisite of microbicidal function, it is suggested that jaundiced newborns may be more susceptible to bacterial infections.