title: Biochemical and ultrastructural aspects of the inhibited phagocytosis by neutrophil granulocytes in acute brain-damaged patients.
abstract: In a study of 60 head-injured patients inhibition of phagocytosis by neutrophil granulocytes was observed over a period of up to 5 weeks. This inhibition of phagocytosis could be correlated with the severity of head injury as well as with the state of unconsciousness at the time of the investigation. No correlation was found between neutrophil granulocyte counts and the inhibition of phagocytosis. A good correlation could be demonstrated between the level of lumbar CSF 5-HIAA and the inhibition of phagocytosis. After in vitro incubation with albumin the cells showed a recovery of phagocytosis. Electron micrographs of the cells showed ultrastructural appearances suggesting a changed permeability of the plasma membrane and, in addition, alterations in the cytoplasmic region beneath the plasma membrane. It is suggested that head injury may influence the pituitary-adrenal system and the autonomic nervous system, giving changes of neutrophil function and of neurotransmitter metabolism; these changes may represent an adaptation mechanism.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D006801:Humans; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D006719:Homovanillic Acid