Oxidative metabolism and bactericidal capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from normal young and aged adults.

The ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from young and old individuals to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium, to kill Staphylococcus aureus in vitro, and to generate superoxide was determined. Investigation of PMNs from 202 humans, aged 26 to 95 years, failed to demonstrate an age relationship in their ability to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium. The ability of PMNs from 20 young (M age 34 years) individuals to kill S. aureus in vitro did not differ from cells from 18 elderly (M age 68 years) persons. Mean production of superoxide in response to stimulation with latex particles was, however, significantly lower (P less than .001) in cells from elderly adults. These results suggest a heterogeneity in any age-associated defect in PMN function. Several aspects of PMN function need to be evaluated in order to describe overall PMN function in the elderly.