MECHANISMS OF THE ADJUVANT EFFECT OF HEMOGLOBIN IN EXPERIMENTAL PERITONITIS .3. THE INFLUENCE OF HEMOGLOBIN ON PHAGOCYTOSIS AND INTRACELLULAR KILLING BY HUMAN-GRANULOCYTES

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 87  (5) , 588-592
Abstract
The effect of Hb on the ability of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) to phagocytize and kill opsonized Escherichia coli was measured. The addition of Hb in a concentration of 0.1% inhibits phagocytotic activity of PMN form 68% to 13% after 30 min and from 73% to 45% after 60 min. The rate of intracellular killing after the addition of Hb in the concentration of 0.5% declined from 63% to 21%. Though these experiments do not allow any conclusions as to the exact mechanism of action of Hb inhibition of phagocytosis, the inhibitory activity probably resides in the heme part of the molecule. Hb inhibits phagocytotic activity and the ability to kill ingested bacteria of human PMN. This provides an additional mechanism for the adjuvant action of Hb in i.p. infections. Hb may act directly on the granulocyte to impair the essential host defenses.