Importance of Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes in Protection of Mice against Escherichia coli

Abstract
Bacterial growth and lethality of E. coli infection of mice were enhanced by X-irradiation but not by treatment with carrageenan. Since carrageenan depletes macrophages but not polymorphonuclear leukocytes, it is concluded that protection against E. coli, at least in the early phases, depends mainly on polymorphonuclear leukocytes.