Abstract
The immunological adjuvant, Propionibacterium acnes (formerly classified as Corynebacterium parvum) is believed to be the major factor in the etiology of inflammatory acne (IA). We have previously reported defective phagocytosis of P. acnes by neutrophils in some patients with IA. In attempting to elucidate this phenomenon we undertook the present investigation to assess the reliability of measuring chemiluminescence (CL) by phagocytizing neutrophils as a tool in defining the opsonic requirement of P. acnes.
Neutrophils (PMN), purified through Methocel-isopaque, were mixed with P. acnes or P. granulosum in the presence of pooled human serum; Mg-EGTA chelated serum; and heat inactivated serum.
The results demonstrate that CL intensity is proportionally related to serum concentration, number of PMNs, and bacteria and PMN ratios. Complement was required for efficient opsonization. Additional data reveal that there are qualitative and quantitative differences in the requirements for optimal ingestion of P. acnes and P. granulosum. Our data suggest that whereas both the classical and alternative pathways are operative for opsonization of P. acnes, the alternative pathway provides opsonic activity equal to that of the total complement pathway for P. granulosum.
We conclude that CL is an useful screening method for detecting impaired opsonization in patients with IA and for monitoring immune response to acne therapy in a very precise manner.
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Lee, W., Suntharalingam, K., Fikrig, S. et al. 1132 INTERACTIONS OF PROPIONIBACTERIUM ACNES WITH NEUTROPHILS. Pediatr Res 19, 299 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01162
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01162
