The involvement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the pathogenesis of bronchopneumonia in calves. V. Adherence to nylon fibres.

The adherence of neutrophils from bronchopneumonic calves to nylon fibres and the influence of this adherence on O2- and H2O2 production were studied. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes from bronchopneumonic calves were found to produce much more superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide than neutrophils from healthy animals. A higher production of these compounds was observed in granulocytes adhering to nylon fibres than in cells in suspension. It is suggested that oxygen radicals production induced by the contact of granulocytes with a solid surface plays a role in the destruction of endothelium in vivo.