Activated neutrophils induce erythrocyte immunoglobulin binding and membrane protein degradation.

Neutrophil-induced alterations in feline erythrocytes were investigated to elucidate the pathogenesis of the erythrocyte destruction associated with inflammatory disease. Incubation of erythrocytes with zymosan-activated neutrophils, at target:effector concentrations of 50:1, resulted in immunoglobulin binding to the erythrocyte membrane and degradation of membrane proteins. Vitamin E and superoxide dismutase/catalase attenuated the immunoglobulin binding. Proteolysis was not prevented by addition of antioxidants or protease inhibitors to the erythrocyte:neutrophil coculture and was not reproduced with chemical oxidation or calcium loading of erythrocytes.