Polymorphonuclear leukocyte myeloperoxidase levels in patients with Behcet's disease

Myeloperoxidase was measured in the plasma and in the supernatants of polym orphonuclear granulocyte cultures from patients with Behcet's disease. High levels were found in both plasma and supernatants from patients with activ e disease. The addition of pentoxifylline to granulocyte cultures determine d a significant decrease of myeloperoxidase levels in active patients only. Hyperactive neutrophils are present during the course of Behcet's disease and may be considered of importance in the pathogenesis of the vascular les ions.