Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2016-10-18T13:39:28Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Luiz Carlos Fontes Baptista Filho.pdf: 748065 bytes, checksum: c624b21e9ec70bfdd8c60bd08dac6e9f (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-18T13:39:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luiz Carlos Fontes Baptista Filho.pdf: 748065 bytes, checksum: c624b21e9ec70bfdd8c60bd08dac6e9f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-03-17 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Enzootic Leukosis (EBL) and Bovine Tuberculosis (BT) compromise the immune status of the herds, especially the immunosuppressive potential of bovine leukosis virus (BLV). Several factors interfere with leukocyte values of cattle, but little is known about the effects of BT on them. The aim with the study was to evaluate the leukogram of tuberculinized cattle, with a view to the use of leukocytes as an epidemiologic tool in combating EBL in dairy herds of Pernambuco. 1.000 serum samples from 33 herds of cattle coming from various municipalities in the state were submitted to the serodiagnosis of EBL (AGID), being 920 cattle previously tuberculinized by the simultaneously comparative technique (SCT). Blood smears were prepared of all tuberculinized cattle, and the total and differential leukocyte count was performed using conventional techniques. The evaluation of the influence of BT in leukocyte counts was performed by comparing the results of four experimental groups, according to the results of the AGID and SCT (gTB group - 41 to the positive SCT; group gLEB - the 151 AGID positive, group gNEG - 379 to the negative TSC and AGID, group gINT - 43 positive to both tests). The prevalence rates of TB and LEB were, respectively, 11% (99/920) and 28% (282/1000), with 88% (29/33) of herds contributing at least one animal positive for one or both tests. From the 920 cattle examined, 43 (4,7%) were positive to both tests simultaneously. The mean values of leukocytes and lymphocytes (x 103/mm3 of blood) of the experimental groups were, respectively: gTB 9,6 ± 2,5 and 5,9 ± 1,9; gLEB 13,3 ± 6,3 and 9,1 ± 6,0; gNEG 11,5 ± 3,8 and 7,6 ± 5,1; and gINT 11,8 ± 4,3 and 8,0 ± 3,5. There were significant differences (p<0,05) between leukocytes and lymphocytes, when confronted gTB group (lower values) and gLEB (higher values) with the gNEG group, while gINT group did not differ (p>0,05) in none of the parameters analyzed in relation to the group gNEG. It is concluded that the leukogram is influenced by bovine BT, and health programs to combat LEB in dairy herds in the state of Pernambuco, and include the white blood cell count as an epidemiologic tool wish to consider the strategic prior tuberculin test the herds involved, being discarded cattle that are experiencing imunoalergic test positivity. / Leucose Enzoótica (LEB) e Tuberculose bovina (TB) comprometem o estado imunitário dos rebanhos, especialmente pelo potencial imunodepressor do Vírus da Leucose Bovina (VLB). Inúmeros fatores interferem nos valores leucométricos dos bovinos, porém, pouco se sabe dos efeitos da TB sobre os mesmos. O objetivo com o estudo foi avaliar o leucograma de bovinos tuberculizados, com vista ao uso da leucometria como ferramenta epidemiológica no combate à LEB em rebanhos leiteiros de Pernambuco. Amostras séricas de 1.000 bovinos procedentes de 33 rebanhos de diversos municípios do estado foram submetidas ao sorodiagnóstico da LEB (IDGA), sendo 920 bovinos previamente tuberculinizados pela técnica simultânea comparada (TSC). Esfregaços sanguíneos foram confeccionados de todos os bovinos tuberculinizados, sendo a contagem total e diferencial dos leucócitos realizada usando técnicas convencionais. A avaliação da influência da TB no leucograma foi realizada pelo confronto dos resultados de quatro grupos experimentais, em função dos resultados da IDGA e TSC (grupo gTB - 41 positivos ao TSC; grupo gLEB - 151 positivos à IDGA; grupo gNEG - 379 negativos ao TSC e IDGA; grupo gINT - 43 positivos a ambos os testes). As taxas de prevalência da TB e da LEB foram, respectivamente, 11% (99/920) e 28% (282/1000), com 88% (29/33) dos rebanhos contribuindo com ao menos um animal positivo para um ou ambos os testes. Dos 920 bovinos examinados, 43 (4,7%) apresentaram positividade simultânea a ambos os testes. Os valores médios dos leucócitos e linfócitos (x 103/mm3 de sangue) dos grupos experimentais foram, respectivamente: gTB 9,6 ± 2,5 e 5,9 ± 1,9; gLEB 13,3 ± 6,3 e 9,1 ± 6,0; gNEG 11,5 ± 3,8 e 7,6 ± 5,1; e gINT 11,8 ± 4,3 e 8,0 ± 3,5. Houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre os leucócitos e linfócitos, quando confrontados os grupos gTB (valores menores) e gLEB (valores maiores) com o grupo gNEG, enquanto o grupo gINT não diferiu (p>0,05) em nenhum dos parâmetros analisados em relação ao grupo gNEG. Conclui-se que o leucograma dos bovinos sofre influência da TB, devendo programas sanitários de combate à LEB em rebanhos leiteiros do estado de Pernambuco e que incluam a leucometria como ferramenta epidemiológica estratégica preconizar a prévia tuberculinização dos rebanhos envolvidos, sendo descartados os bovinos que apresentarem positividade ao teste imunoalérgico.

A grande maioria das espécies de anfíbios anuros apresenta um padrão de reprodução sazonal, caracterizado nos machos por um pico de andrógenos que desencadeia maturação testicular, bem como manutenção do comportamento sexual. No entanto, os altos níveis de andrógenos podem apresentar um efeito imunossupressor, podendo também aumentar a probabilidade de infecções parasitárias. A Caatinga brasileira é caracterizada por altas temperaturas e chuvas sazonais e imprevisíveis que determinam o padrão reprodutivo e de atividade dos anuros dessa região, algumas espécies como P. diplolister apresentam comportamento de estivação durante a seca, já Rhinella Jimi e R. granulosa permanecem ativos quanto ao forrageamento durante este período. As drásticas variações deste ambiente poderiam acentuar os ajustes fisiológicos apresentados por essas espécies, principalmente para a espécie estivadora. Foram estudadas as inter-relações entre caracteres morfológicos, fisiológicos e parasitológicos dessas três espécies de anuros, em três períodos distintos, (A) durante a temporada reprodutiva, em um período entre dois surtos reprodutivos (período entre chuvas); (B) durante um surto reprodutivo que acompanhou um evento de chuvas e (C) no período da seca. As duas espécies de Rhinella apresentaram evidências de modulações imunológicas de acordo com período, e correlações entre caracteres imunológicos, fisiológicos e número de parasitas. Pleurodema diplolister apresentou padrões imunológicos coerentes com o processo de economia energética durante a estivação, como redução do número de leucócitos totais, com concomitante aumento na contagem de eosinófilos e relação positiva entre intensidade parasitária e contagem total de leucócitos. As três espécies estudadas apresentaram depleção das reservas energéticas durante o período reprodutivo, possivelmente associada à alta demanda energética do comportamento vocal. Também apresentaram padrões similares de maturação testicular, evidenciando que as espécies estudadas possuem um padrão de reprodução oportunista, típico de espécies que ocupam ambientes áridos. As três espécies também apresentaram relação entre parâmetros imunológicos e carga parasitária, no entanto, para esclarecer as relações causais entre esses fatores, são necessários testes adicionais de desafio imunológico, bem como infecção experimental por parasitas / Most part of anurans show a seasonal pattern of reproduction, when males display high levels of androgens associated with testicular development and sexual behavior maintenance. However, high androgens levels also can shows an immunosuppressive effect resulting in increased parasitological disease. The semi-arid Caatinga is an environment characterized by high temperatures and unpredictable seasonal rains that determine the breeding season of anurans. During the dry season, Pleurodema diplolister aestivate borrowed, Rhinella granulose and R. jimi remain foraging. Drastic variation in this environment could increase the physiological adjustments displayed by these species, mainly by P. diplolister. The inter-relation between morphological, physiological and parasitological characters was studied in these three anuran species, in three different periods: (A) dry season, (B) during the rainfall, when males are calling, and (C) in the interval between rainfalls, when males are foraging within the reproductive season. The Rhinella species presented evidences of immunological modulations according to the period and correlations between immunological, physiological parameters and number of parasites. Pleurodema diplolister presented immunological patters consistent with the process of energy economy during aestivation, including total leukocyte reduction, along with eosinophil increase and positive relation between total leukocyte and parasite intensity. The three species presented depletion in energy reserves during the breeding season, possibly associated with the high energy demand of vocal behavior. They also presented a similar pattern of testicular development, indicating that these species present opportunistic reproduction pattern, typical of species that occupy arid environments. The studied species also showed correlations between immunological parameters and parasite load, however, to clarify the causal relation between these parameters, additional immunological challenges and experimental parasite infection are necessary

Abstract Interruption of cerebral blood flow during hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) predisposes neurons to glutamate excitotoxicity. Reperfusion is followed by leukocyte infiltration, which results in an inflammatory reaction in the brain tissue. In the first study, the presynaptic glutamate release inhibitor lamotrigine (L) and the leukocyte-depleting filter (LF) were studied to determine if their combination could mitigate brain injury after HCA (I). The aim of the second study was to evaluate the possible neuroprotective effect of a 14-hour period of mild (32°C) hypothermia after HCA (II). Recent experimental research has demonstrated the neuroprotective properties of erythropoietin (EPO) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FDP), whose effects during and after HCA were evaluated in the third and the fourth studies (III, IV). A chronic porcine model was used. The animals were randomly assigned to the study groups as follows: 8 animals in the L+LF group, 8 in the L group, and 8 in the control group (I); 10 animals in the hypothermia group and 10 in the normothermia group (II); 10 animals in the EPO group and 10 in the control group (III), and 12 animals in the FDP group and 12 in the control group (IV). Monitoring of hemodynamics, metabolism, temperature, electroencephalogram (EEG), brain microdialysis, intracranial pressure (II-IV), and brain tissue oxygen (II-IV) was carried out. A daily behavioral assessment was performed until death or until elective sacrifice on the seventh postoperative day, after which the brain was prepared for a histopathologic examination. The results of these studies indicate that lamotrigine has a neuroprotective effect during HCA. This is observed in terms of EEG burst recovery, behavioral and histopathologic outcome, and brain microdialytic findings. The combined use of lamotrigine and leukocyte filtration may further improve survival. A 14-hour period of mild hypothermia after HCA is associated with a poor outcome. However, it may preserve its efficacy when used for no longer than 4 hours. Administration of EPO before HCA proved ineffective in reducing mortality or brain histopathologic injury. Findings from brain microdialysis, brain tissue oxygen tension, and neuronal apoptosis, however, suggest that the drug has neuroprotective properties. Administration of FDP before and after HCA is associated with better survival, behavioral outcome, and brain histopathologic scores. The metabolic and brain microdialytic findings also suggest that this drug has supportive effects on myocardial and brain metabolism.

Abstract Ischaemic cerebral injury follows a well attested sequence of events including three phases, i.e. depolarization, biochemical cascade and reperfusion injury. Glutamate excitotoxicity plays an important role in the development of ischaemic brain injury following prolonged hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA), and leukocyte infiltration and a cytokine-mediated inflammatory reaction are known to play a pivotal role in the reperfusion phase. The aim of this series of experimental studies was to develop biochemical and reperfusion-related strategies to improve brain protection. We tested the hypotheses that the Na+ channel blocker lamotrigine (I) or the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate-receptor antagonist memantine (III) could improve the cerebral outcome after HCA and studied whether a leukocyte-depletion filter (L-DF; LeukoGuard LG6®, Pall Biomedical, Portsmouth, U.K) could mitigate brain injury (II). The aim of the fourth study was to find out whether lamotrigine combined with the leukocyte-depleting filter can potentiate cerebral protection (IV). A chronic porcine model was used, in which haemodynamic, electrophysiological, metabolic and temperature monitoring were performed for four hours after the instigation of rewarming and S-100β measured up to 20 hours. Cytokines were measured, microdialysis was performed, and daily behavioural assessments were made until death or elective sacrifice on the seventh postoperative day, upon which a histopathological analysis of the brain was carried out. The rate of EEG burst recovery was higher in the lamotrigine-treated animals, the median being 40% of the baseline compared with 17% in the placebo group at 4 hours after the start of rewarming (p = 0.02) and 80% compared with 20% at 4 hours (p = 0.01). Complete behavioural recovery was seen in 5/8 of cases (63%) after lamotrigine administration, compared with 1/8 (13%) in the placebo group (p = 0.02). The median behavioural score among the animals that survived for 7 days was higher in the lamotrigine group (8) than in the controls (7) (p = 0.02). Mortality was 2/10 in the L-DF group and 5/10 in the controls, the median behavioural score on day 7 being higher in the L-DF group (8.5 vs. 3.5 p = 0.04). The median of the total histopathological score was 6.5 in the L-DF group and 15.5 in the control group (p = 0.005). In the memantine group 5/10 animals survived seven days, as compared with 9/10 in the placebo group, and the median behavioural score on day 7 was 3.5 compared with 7.5 in the placebo group (p = 0.39). The median of the total histopathological score was 16 in the memantine group and 14 in the placebo group (p = 0.25). In the LD-F + lamotrigine group 7/8 animals survived for seven days, as compared with 4/8 in the lamotrigine only group and 3/8 among the controls. EEG burst recovery 7 hours after the start of rewarming was highest in the LDF + lamotrigine group, the median being 94% (p = 0.024 vs. controls), compared with 81% in the lamotrigine group and 64% in the control group. The median behavioural score on day 7 was 9 in the LD-F + lamotrigine group (p = 0.004 vs. controls), 4 in the lamotrigine group and 0 in the control group, while the median of total histopathological score was 14 (p = 0.046 vs controls), 14.5 (p = 0.062 vs. controls) and 21, respectively. The control group had the highest intracerebral lactate, glutamate and glycerol levels after HCA. In conclusion, the results indicate that the NA+ channel blocker lamotrigine improves the neurological outcome after a prolonged period of HCA but that the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine does not have this property in the present setting. The leukocyte-depleting filter mitigates brain injury after a prolonged period of HCA, and lamotrigine can potentiate this effect.

Abstract Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass induces the activation of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and results in at least some degree of global myocardial ischemia. Although these responses are usually short-lived, they may lead to serious complications and organ system failures. The present study evaluated the effects of high-dose glucose-insulin (1IU/kg/h) treatment (GIK) administered with the hyperinsulinemic normoglycemic clamp technique and a leukocyte-depleting filter on markers of systemic inflammatory response and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in certain cardiac surgical risk groups. The study involved four prospective randomized controlled clinical trials and 119 patients. Cardioprotective effects were measured as myocardial enzyme release, recovery of contractile function and incidence of arrhythmias in all studies. The hemodynamic and metabolic effects of high-dose glucose-insulin treatment were evaluated in patients admitted for combined aortic valve (AS) and coronary surgery (40) and for urgent coronary surgery (39), and the latter study also involved proinflammatory cytokine and C-reactive protein analyses. The impacts of leukocyte filter on the expression of neutrophil adhesion molecules along with proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated in patients admitted for combined aortic valve (AS) and coronary surgery (20) and for solitary coronary surgery (20). The high-dose glucose-insulin treatment was associated with better preserved myocardial contractile function and less need for inotropic support after combined aortic valve and coronary surgery (I) and attenuation of postoperative CRP release after urgent coronary surgery (II). No effects on postoperative myocardial enzyme release (I, II) or on proinflammatory cytokine responses (II) were detected. The number of hypoglycemic events was low. The use of a leukocyte filter throughout the cardiopulmonary bypass period increased the neutrophil adhesion molecule CD11b expression in patients with both normal and prolonged CPB times and was associated with an enhanced proinflammatory cytokine response (III, IV). In conclusion, high-dose glucose-insulin treatment is safe, but requires strict control of blood glucose level. It reduces the need for inotropic support in patients with compromised cardiac status. The use of leukocyte filter leads to increased leukocyte activation and proinflammatory reaction.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / Southern Africa is facing one of the most serious HIV epidemics. This project contributes to the HIVNET, Network for Prevention Trials cohort for vaccine development. HIVÂ’s biology and rapid mutation rate have made vaccine design difficult. We examined HIV-1 subtype C diversity and how it relates to CTL epitope location along viral gag sequences. We found a negative correlation between codon sites under positive selection and epitope regions; suggesting epitope regions are evolutionarily conserved. It is possible that epitopes exist in non-conserved regions, yet fail to be detected due to the reference strain diverging from the circulating viral population. To test if CTL clustering is an artifact of the reference strain, we calculated differences between the gag codons and the reference strain. We found a weak negative correlation, suggesting epitopes in less conserved regions maybe evading detection. Locating conserved and optimal epitopes that can be recognized by CTLs is essential for the design of vaccine reagents. / South Africa

Many complications associated with heart surgery are due to the negative effects of extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Some of these complications may be attributed to ECC-induced activation of inflammation and coagulation pathways. The inflammatory reaction may be caused by the interaction of blood components with air and the artificial surfaces of the ECC, from substances produced due to ischaemia-reperfusion injury of the heart and lungs, and from increased release of endotoxin from ischemic intestines. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections are the leading cause of respiratory, skin and soft tissue, and bloodstream infections. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous signaling molecule involved in many physiological and pathological processes. The role of NO in infection and inflammation is complex. NO may contribute to morbidity by acting as a vasodilator, myocardial depressant, and cytotoxic mediator. On the other hand, NO may have a salutary role through microvascular, cytoprotective, immunoregulatory, and antimicrobial properties. A simulated extracorporeal circulation (SECC) model is a closed circuit, including a roller pump, an oxygenator, a venous reservoir and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing, where human blood is circulated. The SECC model allows studies of the blood and its components, without any influence from other organ systems. The aim of this work was to investigate NO effects during SECC and in S. aureus infection. Study I. Human blood was circulated through SECC during 3 hours, and leukocyte granule release was studied. Results indicated that NO addition during SECC is pro-inflammatory by stimulating leukocyte activation and granule release, and has no effect on oxygen free radical production and interleukin release. Study II. Investigating the effect of NO on S. aureus growth in whole blood during 180 min SECC, results showed a 6.2 fold growth in the presence of NO. Results indicated that by stimulating the expression of inducible lactate dehydrogenase, specific to S. aureus, NO may improve S. aureus resistance to oxidative stress, giving the pathogen a survival advantage. Study III. In an in vitro system of SECC, we measured glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) induced changes in leukocyte activation in whole blood caused by S. aureus infestation, as well as the effect of GTN on S. aureus growth. Results indicated that GTN does not affect S. aureus growth during SECC and has no effect on SECC-induced leukocyte activation. Study IV. Whole blood concentrations of selected leukocyte adhesion molecules, complement system components and myeloperoxidase  were measured in an in vitro system of SECC. Results indicated that SECC induces the increased expression of some leukocyte markers and that GTN addition significantly reduces the expression of some leukocyte activation markers.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a relação entre estrutura e função dos domínios não catalíticos do HF3, uma metaloproteínase da classe P-III do veneno da Bothrops jararaca com atividades hemorrágica e pró-inflamatória. Mostramos que proteínas recombinantes contendo o domínio rico em cisteínas (domínios tipo-disintegrina/rico em cisteínas, DC, e domínio rico em cisteínas, C) são capazes de aumentar o rolamento de leucócitos na microcirculação e de inibir a agregação plaquetária induzida pelo colágeno. Por outro lado, a proteína D e a proteína DC contendo a mutação Asp/Ala no motif Glu-Cys-Asp não apresentaram estas atividades. Peptídeos derivados da região hiper variável (HVR) do domínio rico em cisteínas também promoveram o rolamento de leucócitos, sendo esta atividade foi inibida por anticorpos anti-aMb2, e ainda inibiram a agregação plaquetária. Em conjunto, estes resultados sugerem que o domínio rico em cisteínas do HF3 e sua HVR desempenham um papel em sua atividade pró-inflamatória mediada pela integrina aMb2, e na inibição da agregação plaquetária. / This aim of this study was analyze the relationship between structure and function of the non-catalytic domains of HF3, a hemorrhagic and pro-inflammatory metalloproteinase of the P-III class, from Bothrops jararaca venom. Here we show that recombinant proteins of HF3 containing the cysteine-rich domain (disintegrin-like/cysteine rich and cysteine-rich proteins) but not the disintegrin-like protein and a disintegrin-like/cysteine rich protein carrying the mutation Asp/Ala in the Glu-Cys-Asp motif were able to significantly increase leukocyte rolling in the microcirculation and to inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Peptides from the hyper variable region (HVR) of the cysteine-rich domain also promoted leukocyte rolling and this activity was inhibited by anti-aMb2 antibodies. HVR peptides also inhibited platelet-aggregation. Taken together, these results suggest that the cysteine- rich domain of HF3 and its HVR play a role in triggering pro-inflammatory effects mediated by integrin aM/b2 and in the inhibition of platelet-aggregation.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) belongs among chief bacteria-sensing Pattern recognition receptors. Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) recognition by TLR4 triggers signalling leading to release of cytokines that direct leukocyte infiltration into the inflammatory site and cause swelling. Effector mechanisms that ensure pathogen elimination include phagocytosis and oxidative burst. It has been repeatedly reported that the polymorphism in TLR4 may affect host resistance to various diseases. TLR4 may be, therefore, an important molecule in host-parasite co-evolution. Herein, I focused on TLR4 amino acid substitution Q549R which is associated with ornamentation in great tits. In tits I describe immune responsiveness to LPS stimulation on morphological and molecular level and examine effects of the Q549R substitution on inflammation and general body condition. In LPS- treated individuals I found decrease in heterophil-lymphocyte ratio (H/L) that might be caused by attraction of the blood-borne cells into the inflamed tissue. This is in striking contrast with increase in H/L in PBS-treated animals resulting from the stress response. There was no effect of Q549R on general condition and haematological parameters but I revealed a significant effect of the interaction between host Q549R genotype and the type...

The mechanism by which a cell translates a spatially oriented, extracellular signal into a change in morphology and behavior is the key to understanding many biological processes. In order to investigate this general phenomenon, I have studied the chemotactic response of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's) to f-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Stimulation of PMN's with fMLP produces a plethora of intracellular events, including increases in cytosolic Ca+2. PMN's are also morphologically and behaviorally polarized by stimulation with chemoattractant; the membrane components and cytosolic organelles of polarized PMN's become asymmetrically distributed. Polarization and subsequent orientation of PMN's in the direction of fMLP are steps which precede and are necessary for chemotaxis. I have chosen to examine the role of Ca+2, a ubiquitous second messenger, in the polarization of PMN's to fMLP. To accomplish this goal, Ca+2 has been measured in resting and polarized PMN's, utilizing the intracellular fluorescence of the Ca+2-sensitive dye, fura-2. Initial experiments have revealed a Ca+2-insensitive form of fura-2 associated with PMN's which, if uncorrected, would lead to erroneous measurements of [Ca+2]. I have suggested putative sources for the Ca+2-insensitive fluorescence in PMN's and have presented two methods for accurate calculation of [Ca+2] in spite of the additional component of fluorescence. As measured from the cell-associated fluorescence of fura-2, [Ca+2] increases without a detectable lag upon addition of fMLP to PMN's in suspension. The rise in [Ca+2] is associated with an increase in the percentage of cells which polarize to fMLP. The increases in [Ca+2] and in polarization are both directly related to increases in the concentration of chemoattractant. Inhibition of the rise in [Ca+2], by exposure of the human donor to aspirin or addition of EGTA to isolated cells, results in a concommitant reduction in the percentage of cells which polarize to fMLP. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that Ca+2 acts as a second messenger in the pathway of transduction of the extracellular signal which results in polarization. However, addition of ionomycin, the Ca+2-selective ionophore, to PMN's did not induce polarization either in the presence or in the absence of fMLP. This result suggests that increases Ca+2, which appear to be necessary for polarization, are locally distributed within the fMLP-stimulated PMN. Examination of the subcellular distribution of Ca+2 using the digital imaging microscope reveals that Ca+2 is not uniformly distributed in the polarized PMN. Cells polarized by stimulation with fMLP often exhibit regional differences in [Ca+2] from front to tail. The magnitude and direction of the intracellular gradient varies among cells and suggests that within individual cells, the heterogeneity of [Ca+2] varies temporally and spatially as the cell chemotaxes. The results of the experiments conducted in this dissertation suggest that Ca+2 plays an important role as second messenger in fMLP-stimulated PMN's. I suggest that the morphological polarity of the chemotactic PMN is dependent upon the establishment and maintenance of an intracellular Ca+2 gradient.