Studies on phagocytosis in leukaemia. III. Phagocytosis inhibiting factor in sera of leukaemic patients.
The role of serum factors on the phagocytic activity and intracellular killing of bacteria in separated peripheral granulocytes has been studied in acute leukaemia. Examinations were made in 30 patients, using Staphylococcus aureus. It was found that in 1/3 of cases the impairment of the phagocytic process was due to the adverse effect of serum components on granulocytes. In 50% of cases a defect of granulocytes was observed. Among the 15 cases of acute leukaemia with impaired phagocytic process, a serum factor inhibiting mainly intracellular killing of bacteria could be demonstrated in 7. Its level was found to be low; the inhibiting factor displayed its action in 10% serum concentration and could not be shown at further serum dilutions. 5 sera were deficient in factors which promote opsonizing and intracellular killing. In some sera this deficiency was parallel to the activity of the inhibiting factor. Five sera showed normal properties promoting, opsonizing, and intracellular killing.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000276:immunology*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010587:Phagocytosis; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000276:immunology