Mechanisms Involved in the Regulation of Free Radial Generation from Neutrophils

摘要

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) represent 33-75% of the total circulation leukocyte population and constitute the 'first line of defense' against infectious agents or 'nonself substances that penetrate the body's physical barriers. Migration of PMNs from blood to the specific tissue following a pathological insult is a key feature of the host inflammatory response, which is often localized and protective and helps to eliminate the microorganisms. Their targets include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, virally infected cells and tumor cells. Once an inflammatory response is initiated, PMNs are the first cells to be recruited to the site of infection or injury. In inflammatory pathologies PMNs unleash their destructive potential against host tissue. More recently, the success of thrombolysis to treat acute coronary obstructions has unmasked the PMNs as an active player in the reperfusion injury and has sparked further research into the regulation of PMNs free radical generation. Thus PMNs have posed a challenge with classical 'friend or foe' dilemma.