Inflammatory processes require the activation of immunocompetent cells
. In mammals, neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) constitute
one of the essential body defences against diseases. In this article
knowledge of the development and maturation of neutrophils, the contro
l of haematopoiesis and of the factors that regulate neutrophil produc
tion is reviewed. As it has recently become apparent that neutrophils
can be primed by cytokines to have enhanced functional activity, the f
uture utilization of these growth factors in bovine immunotherapy is b
riefly discussed.