Introduction:The influence of kolloids on the immune system is not well doc
umented. In this study we investigated the effects of gelatine, hydroxyethy
lstarch (HES), human albumine,and dextrane on neutrophil function and recep
tor expression by flow cytometry.
Methods: Whole blood of healthy volunteers was incubated for 30 minutes wit
h either gelatine, HES (6% and 10%), dextrane 40 and 60, or human albumin 2
0%. Phagocytic capacity was determined by uptake of fluorescein-isothiocyan
ate labeled bacteria,the conversion of dihydrorhodamine 123 into fluorescen
t rhodamine 123 was used for oxidative burst measurements. Expression of co
mplement receptors CD 11b and CD35 was investigated using fluorescein-isoth
iocyanate labeled antibodies.
Results:Incubation with gelatine significantly increased expression of comp
lement receptors and oxidative burst. Dextranes and HES had no influence on
neutrophil function. Human albumin reduced the oxidative burst,whereas CD
35 expression was increased. Conclusion: The physiological significance of
these changes in a range of 10% has to be clarified in further investigatio
ns.