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Inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis and activation following decentralization of the superior cervical ganglia
Author(s) -
Carter Lisa,
Ferrari J. Kent,
Davison Joseph S.,
Befus Dean
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of leukocyte biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.819
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1938-3673
pISSN - 0741-5400
DOI - 10.1002/jlb.51.6.597
Subject(s) - chemotaxis , biology , decentralization , neutrophile , cervical ganglia , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , inflammation , endocrinology , receptor , biochemistry , economics , market economy
Abstract Recent studies have shown that bilateral decentralization (sympathectomy) of the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) of rats sensitized to the parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis attenuated the development of pulmonary inflammation following allergen challenge. Sympathectomy inhibited total leukocyte infiltration into lung lavage fluids, particularly neutrophil infiltration. To define the effects of decentralization of the SCG on neutrophil responses, peripheral blood neutrophils of rats were isolated and tested in in vitro chemotaxis and phagocytosis assays. Neutrophils from rats that were sympathectomized 7 days previously displayed a marked reduction in chemotaxis to N ‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine and leukotriene B 4 compared to neutrophils from sham‐operated or unoperated groups. Although the degree of chemotaxis was greater in blood neutrophils from parasite‐infected rats than from uninfected rats, sympathectomy markedly reduced the chemotactic responses of both groups. In addition, neutrophils of sympathectomized rats were unresponsive to lipopolysaccharide‐induced metabolic activation as assessed by in vitro phagocytosis and oxidative reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium. Thus, decentralization of the SCG of rats affects the chemotactic responses and functions of neutrophils. Understanding the role of the sympathetic nervous system in modulating the behavior of neutrophils will shed light on the interactions between the nervous and immune systems.