Modulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemiluminescent response to the chemoattractant f-Met-Leu-Phe.

Upon the interaction between polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and soluble or particulate matter, the cells become metabolically activated and produce chemiluminescence. To respond with chemiluminescence to the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-Met-Leu-Phe), the PMNL required conditioning of the cells at 22 degrees C or higher temperature prior to stimulus addition. This was not required when phorbolmyristate acetate or opsonized yeast particles were used as stimulus. When cell samples were obtained from PMNL suspensions during 240 min from preparation, the chemiluminescence signal triggered by f-Met-Leu-Phe progressively increased. Scatchard plot analysis of the chemiluminescence data indicated that storage of the cells resulted in modulation of both the number of functional receptors and the affinity for the receptor. The importance of receptor function control in the inflammatory process is discussed.