Effect of glucose concentration and time on polymorphonuclear leukocyte function.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) to oxidative metabolism and functional activities were assayed after varying periods of exposure to glucose concentrations ranging from 100-600 mg/dl. Oxygen consumption, superoxide generation and phagocytosis and killing of radiolabeled S. aureus by PMNL were not affected by hyperglycemic conditions for incubation periods up to 18 hours. Elevated glucose levels per se do not appear to be responsible for PMNL abnormalities reported in patients with diabetes mellitus.