Opposite effects of different plasma lipoprotein fractions on granulocyte function.

Different plasma lipoprotein fractions in physiological concentrations have opposite effects on the phagocytosis and migration of human neutrophilic granulocytes. Preincubation for half an hour with very low density lipoproteins decreased the phagocytosis as well as the chemotactic and random migrations of the cells, while preincubation with high density lipoproteins increased the same functions. No effects were seen with low density lipoproteins. It is suggested that disturbances in plasma lipoprotein pattern may affect the function of phagocytes.