Adherence, augmented adherence, and aggregation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Adherence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to nylon fiber was found to be plasma-independent and distinct from the processes of augmented adherence, leukocyte aggregation, and inhibition of random leukocyte migration, all of which are dependent on "activated" plasma. Nylon fibers were unable to "activate" plasma, in contrast to the complement-activating agent zymosan. Prior incubation of plasma with antiserum to the third component of complement (C3) inhibited aggregation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes by plasma incubated with zymosan, and heat-inactivation blocked augmentation of adherence by treatment of plasma with zymosan.