Abstract
To investigate the role of degeneration or destruction of white blood cells (WBC) in 5 patients with respiratory dysfunction who underwent surgical operation, we measured the plasma levels of granulocyte elastase (GEL), α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT), WBC and respiratory index. At the same time or after the decrease in WBC, the GEL level was increased and respiratory dysfunction appeared. After operation, the α1-AT level was decreased in 3 out of 5 cases.
It was thought that GEL discharged from WBC may produce endothelial cell damage in the lung. GEL in the lung may be activated as a result of decreased αl-AT after operation. Neutropenia, decreased αl-AT and increased GEL level may play an important role in the etiology of ARDS.
