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. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.