LEUKOCYTE ACTIVITY IN CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY

Before and after venous stasis and upon recovery blood samples were dr awn from the saphenous vein in 10 patients with Varicose veins (Group 1), in 10 with venous hypertension (Group 2) and in 10 healthy control s. The total leucocyte count, the leucocyte filterability rate (LFR), superoxide dismustase blood concentrations (SOD) and the production of superoxide anions from granulocytes were determined. After stasis, th e total leucocyte count increased significantly (p<0.01) in both group s of patients and the LFR was significantly (p<0.01) impaired. SOD blo od concentrations fell significantly (p<0.01) and oxygen free radical production dropped significantly (p<0.01) in both groups. Upon recover y, all parameters returned to normal in Group 1 but significant differ ences remained in Group 2. No significant modification was observed at any stage of the study in the control group. These results suggest th at impairments in leucocyte theology and granulocyte production of oxy gen free radicals cause capillary plugging and possibly damage to micr ocirculatory vessel walls in venous disease.