Distinct reconstitution of neutrophil functions after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

Purpose The study investigated in detail neutrophil functions shortly after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Methods Different functions of neutrophils in 14 patients who received allogeneic PBSCT were investigated. The migratory capacity as well as the ability to induce oxidative burst following stimulation with either Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (f-MLP) or opsonized Escherichia coli was analysed after engraftment (between day +30 and +40) and compared with the results obtained from healthy volunteers. Results There are no differences in terms of the migratory capacity (P = 0.17), as well as regarding the oxidative burst after incubation with PMA (P = 0.08) or f-MLP (P = 0.06), compared with healthy men. In contrast, the capacity of neutrophils to induce oxidative burst following stimulation with E. coli is highly impaired (P = 0.0001) in patients shortly after engraftment. Conclusion The recovery of neutrophils after allogeneic PBSCT is not only influenced by the varying time of engraftment, but also represents a process that differs in distinct biological functions compared to normal granulopoieses.