The role of RNA metabolism in polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytosis.

The role of RNA metabolism in human PMN phagocytosis was examined. By the inhibition of RNA synthesis with actinomycin D, intracellular killing of a strain of actinomycin D-resistant S. epidermidis was unaffected by 1 hr but significantly decreased by 2 and 3 hr. After 1 hr, phagocytosis began to decrease, and iodination of proteins also decreased in the presence of actinomycin D. Hexosemonophosphate shunt activity remained similar for both actinomycin D treated PMN's and control cells at 30 min and 2 hr. Protein synthesis was inhibited by incubating PMN's with puromycin. The ability of the PMN's to kill puromycin-resistant S. epidermidis was significantly decreased at 2 and 3 hr.