Abnormalities of Nitroblue Tetrazolium Reduction in Leukocytes of Patients with Alcoholism

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Abstract
Quantitative nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction was determined in polymorphonuclear leukocytes of 19 alcoholic patients. While some individual values were normal, mean prestimulation NBT reduction was significantly elevated (P < .05) over controls. Those with elevated values were not found to have current infection, more acute alcohol exposure, or leukopenia. Incubation of normal polymorphonuclear leukocytes in alcoholic plasma did not increase NBT reduction, nor did normal plasma restore baseline activity to alcoholic polymorphonuclear leukocytes. In three of four specimens concurrently tested by NBT slide test, increased reduction was also noted. Relative folate deficiency or a toxic effect of alcohol may either produce or prolong an earlier infectious or inflammatory stimulus. Alternatively, escape from alcohol toxicity or dietary folate repletion may produce a surge of young polymorphonuclear leukocytes with increased metabolic activity. Alcoholism may thus cause abnormally high NBT reduction without current infection.

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