An increased ability to generate hydrogen peroxide in certain polymorphonuclear leukocytes in neonates.

We performed a quantitative assay of the hydrogen peroxide generation in polymorphonuclear leukocytes using single cell analysis by flow cytometry. The study population included premature neonates (n = 10), term neonates (n = 28) and healthy adults (n = 29). The ability to generate hydrogen peroxide in neonatal polymorphonuclear leukocytes was totally reduced compared with adults, however, some polymorphonuclear leukocytes in neonates demonstrated highly accentuated hydrogen peroxide generation.