Studies of phagocytic functions in rheumatoid arthritis. II. Effects of serum factors on phagocytic and metabolic activities of neutrophils.
A previous article has shown a diminished phagocytic and intracellular metabolic activity of the polymorphonuclear cells (PMN's) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). No correlation was found between PMN's functions with either clinical or laboratory expression of disease activity. In the present study the effects of rheumatoid sera on PMN's functions were investigated and the results revealed significant inhibition of phagocytic activity (PA) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction capacity of cells from RA as well as from a normal (N) control group. The number of PMN's showing aggregated latex particles on their surfaces was significantly higher in RA patient groups in the presence of rheumatoid sera. PMN's from N and RA groups were lysed in the presence of rheumatoid sera, with more significant destruction of RA-PMN's. No correlation was found between the PMN's function and the amount of circulating immune complexes (CIC's) or rheumatoid factor (RF). Significantly lower concentration of complement (C4) levels and higher IgA mean values were observed in the patient group compared to the standard values. The mechanism(s) underlying the impaired PA and NBT reduction may be due to defective intrinsic cell function as well as the extra cellular effects of blocking or lytic factors present in rheumatoid sera.
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000378:metabolism; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009580:Nitroblue Tetrazolium; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000494:pharmacology
D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D009580:Nitroblue Tetrazolium; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor