Latex phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes: role of sialic acid groups

Transport of nanoparticles across the rat nasal mucosa

The transport of 125I-radiolabelled latex nanoparticles across the nasal mucosa of rats was studied using a range of particle sizes and surface coatings. Translocation of the particles into the blood stream was examined by means of monitoring the radiolabel associated with the particles. Particles were detected in the blood after 5 minutes. The number of particles in the blood peaked at 60 minutes, and then remained constant for a further 2 hours. The smallest particles (20 nm) showed greater uptake than the largest particles investigated (1000 nm). The total maximum uptake seen for the smallest particles was in the order of 3.25% of administered dose. 100 nm particles coated with chitosan showed an increase in both the extent and rate of uptake, with the concentration in the blood peaking at 15 minutes rather than at 60 minutes. It is suggested that transport of the particles across the nasal membrane is due mainly to a transcellular transport mechanisms by the nasal associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), especially the M-cell like cells. However, some paracellular transport cannot totally be ruled out for the smallest particles, especially if coated with chitosan.

Phagocytosis of monosaccharide-binding latex particles by guinea-pig polymorphonuclear leucocytes

Phagocytosis of monosaccharide-binding latex particles by guinea-pig polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) was investigated. When neuraminic acid or glucuronic acid was chemically bound to the surface of latex particles the degree of phagocytosis was somewhat lower than that for bare, glucose-, mannose- or rhamnose-binding latex particles. These experimental findings were interpreted in terms of the kind of monosaccharide and the surface potential and surface hydrophobicity of latex particles. As a result, it was concluded that the inhibitory action of neuraminic acid or glucuronic acid on phagocytosis arises from an increase in the surface hydrophilicity of latex particles brought about by the hydroxyl groups and negative charges on the chemically bound neuraminic acid or glucuronic acid molecules. Physically adsorbed glucuronic acid molecules were also found to decrease the degree of phagocytosis of latex particles by PMNs, though not so remarkable as the chemically bound monosaccharide molecules.

Phagocytosis of latex particles by leucocytes. I. Dependence of phagocytosis on the size and surface potential of particles

A series of latex particles, having different sizes and surface structures, were prepared and the dependence of phagocytosis of latex particles by leucocytes on the particle size and surface potential was investigated by measuring the oxygen consumption of leucocytes. Most of the phagocytic behaviour in the initial stages can be explained by susceptibility of particles to heterocoagulation i.e. attachment of small particles (latex particles) onto large particles (leucocytes) by the colloidal attractive force between the two kinds of particles. Specific behaviour for fine particles seems to be attributed to the contribution of steric stabilization by the hydrated layer on the particle surface and to the inability for the leucocytes to recognize very fine particles as foreign materials.

Sialic acid content and sialidase activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in diabetes mellitus

The level of sialic acid in the diabetic polymorphonuclear leucocytes was found to be significantly reduced as compared to normal. More pronounced effects were observed with ketoacidotic as compared to nonketoacidotic diabetic polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Activity of sialic acid degrading enzyme, sialidase, was found to be increased with more pronounced effect in the ketotic state. Diabetic patients treated either with intravenous insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs showed restoration to normalcy in both sialic acid content and sialidase activity. The implications of the result are discussed.