Changes in canine neutrophil function(s) following cellular isolation by Percoll gradient centrifugation or isotonic lysis.

Analysis of cellular effector function(s) often requires their isolation from other cellular types. Cell separatory techniques could mask, or select out, clinically important functional lesions. We examined differences in canine peripheral blood neutrophil functions, i.e. migration and H202 production, following two commonly used cell separation techniques: isotonic lysis or density gradient (Percoll) centrifugation. Separation methodology was observed to have a significant impact on both metabolic and mobility functions. In comparison to isotonic lysis, Percoll separation caused near 100% increases in random migration, near 40% decreases in chemotaxis and 70% increases in H202 production.