Studies on the pathogenesis of fever. XX. Suppression and regeneration of pyrogen-producing capacity of exudate granulocytes.

Suppression of the pyrogen-producing capacity of exudate granulocytes results from incubation of the cells in plasma, serum, or Ringer's solution. When transferred in this state and incubated in isotonic NaCl, the cells release much less pyrogen than untreated exudate cells. The suppressive effect is reversible and appears to involve the cellular uptake of calcium ions. In contrast, regeneration of pyrogen-producing capacity in depleted exudate cells occurs only when the cells are incubated in serum. The process resembles activation and requires the cellular synthesis of protein.