Influence of low-dose sodium and calcium heparin on the reticuloendothelial system and granulocyte function in man. An in vivo and in vitro study.

The phagocytic and catabolic functions of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) were determined in ten healthy men after subcutaneous injection of low-dose sodium- or calcium-heparin. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)-reducing and the bactericidal capacity of granulocytes isolated from the men after heparin administration were also measured. No statistically significant difference was found for the two salts of heparin in any of the mentioned respects as compared with control injections of physiologic saline solution. In addition to these in vivo investigations, in vitro experiments were made for further study of the influence of sodium-heparin on various granulocyte functions. The results showed slight, but statistically significant increase in attachment and engulfment of particles when granulocytes were pre-incubated with heparin. No significant effect of heparin was detected in vitro on the chemotactic and random migration of granulocytes in tests with heparin concentrations 10 and 100 IU/ml. Preincubation of granulocytes with heparin in the same concentrations, however, resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the bactericidal capacity of the cells.