Dimostrazione di un difetto granulocitario in soggetti anziani e correlazione con la presenza di autoanticorpi

Assessment of PMN leukocyte function and search for auto antibodies were performed in 36 aged human subjects (more than 60 years of age) and in 15 younger controls (40 to 60 years of age). Autoantibodies were found in 15 of the 36 aged subjects, and in none of the controls. Leukocyte function defects were therefore correlated to old age and to markers of autoimmunity. Phagocytosis of bacteria was significantly impaired in both groups of old aged subjects, irrespective of the presence or absence of autoimmunity. Intracellular killing of bacteria was shown to be normal in all the examined subjects. Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction by resting and latex stimulated leukocytes was significantly impaired only in the group of old aged subjects with autoimmunity. These leukocyte function defects are similar to those already described in human autoimmune diseases, particularly S.I.E., and confirm the possible association between P.M.N. dysfunction and autoimmunity.