Stimulation of the hexose monophosphate shunt activity in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The glucose metabolism in human polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes was stimulated by latex particles, zymosan particles, gamma-G globulin and formylmet-leu-phe (FMLP) peptide. Maximum stimulation occurred when zymosan particles in amounts above 0.25 mg/ml per 4 X 10(6) leukocytes were used. Latex particles, gamma-G globulin and FMLP stimulated the glucose oxydation less than zymosan particles. The glucose oxydation increase in proportion to the amount of latex particles and gamma-G globulin in the measured range, while the dose response curve using FMLP shows maximum activity at a consentration of the peptide of 5 X 10(-5)M per 4 X 10(6) leukocytes. It is likely that FMLP and gamma-G globulin act on the glucose metabolism via cell surface receptors. The synthetic polystyrene particles (latex) do not occupy these receptors, but stimulate the hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt activity of the PMN via intracellular mechanisms. Opsonized zymosan particles seem to act on the leukocyte glucose metabolism via cell surface receptors as well as via intracellular mechanisms.