Objective : Using a rat cancer cachexia model we evaluated the neutrophil functions in cancer-bearing conditions.
Materials and methods : Cancer-bearing rats were produced by intraperitoneal inoculation of Yoshida AH -130. On days 1, 4, and 8 after tumor transplantation, peripheral blood and ascites were collected, and neutrophil functions and levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in ascites and blood were analyzed.
Results : In cancer-bearing rats, the blood neutrophil count was increased, and the phagocytosis and reactive oxygen-producing activity of these cells were enhanced. In addition, the expression of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) on neutrophils was increased after tumor transplantation, whereas L-selectin expression was decreased. Interestingly, neutrophil migration was markedly suppressed in cachexia. Furthermore, TNF-α and IL-8 levels were elevated both in ascites and peripheral blood.
Conclusion : In cancer cachexia, cytokine levels (IL-8 and TNF-a) were elevated, and neutrophil functions such as phagocytosis, reactive oxygen-production and the expression of adhesion molecules were activated. However, neutrophil migration was markedly suppressed.
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