Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMLs) play a key role in host defense, and phagocyte dysfunction has been associated with increased susceptibility to
infections in patients with thermal injury.
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays a role in leukocyte accumulation and extravasation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the PMLs expression of
opsonin receptors:
Fc gamma RIII, CR1 and CR3; opsonophagocytosis of PMLs and plasma soluble
ICAM-1. Flow cytometric analysis (FCM) was used to study PMLs expression of
IgG Fc-receptor III (
Fc gamma RIII) as well as the
complement receptors CR1 (receptor for C3b) and
CR3 (receptor for
C3bi) in 23 patients with large
burns. Analysis of PML
complement- and
immunoglobulin-mediated phagocytosis of Candida albicans were performed in parallel using the phagocytic index. Plasma sICAM-1 was determined using ELISA. This study revealed a significant increase, with variable degrees, in CR1 and CR3-dependent fluorescence,
complement-mediated phagocytosis of C. albicans and plasma sIGAM-1 that started at day 2 and remained for about 20 days before normalization. In contrast,
Fc gamma RIII-dependent fluorescence and Ig-mediated phagocytosis were significantly decreased versus the control values. These results demonstrate significant changes of PMLs
opsonin receptors expression and opsonophagocytosis documenting systemic activator of PMLs after large
burns. In addition, elevation of plasma sICAM-1 may enhance the harmful effect of neutrophil activation through leukocyte accumulation and extravasation through endothelial damage in skin and in lung.