[TNF-alpha preactivation (priming) of neutrophils--effect on selected neutrophil functions].

Human polymorphonuclear cells (neutrophils) are fundamentally protective, but extracellular release of proteolytic enzymes and oxygen radicals may lead to tissue destruction. Granulocyte function can be rapidly amplified by environmental factors through a mechanism termed "priming". Priming enhances the neutrophils' ability to respond to a secondary agonist, with increased adhesion, respiratory burst, and degranulation. This review summarizes the effects of TNF-alpha priming on the neutrophils' function.