ISSN:
1574-4647
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The spontaneous motility and chemotaxis of PMNs have been investigated in 25 healthy subjects aged 69–88 years (79.04 ± 4.6) and compared with the values obtained in 25 subjects aged 17–35 years (25.6 ± 5.9). For spontaneous motility, the values were 32 ± 9 in the young subjects, in comparison with 24 ± 11 in the elderly (p 〈 0.05). For chemotaxis the values were 34 ± 14 in the young subjects and 25 ± 10 in the elderly (p 〈 0.02). A group of 8 elderly subjects received 2 g ascorbic acid daily for 1 month. Measurements of spontaneous motility and chemotaxis were conducted, and the results were compared with those obtained prior to the treatment. Neither parameter was significantly modified. Another group of 8 elderly subjects received 50 mg of levamisole daily for 3 days. This drug caused a significant increase in spontaneous motility (p 〈 0.0001) and chemotaxis (p 〈 0.05). In our experience, the elderly exhibit a decrease in spontaneous motility and chemotaxis of PMNs in comparison with those values obtained in young people. Although levamisole increased the values of both parameters, ascorbic acid did not.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02431745
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