Crystal-induced inflammation in canine joints. II. Importance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

In an experimental model, the polymorphonuclear leukocyte was found to be necessary to the inflammation induced by crystals. This conclusion is based on (a) the invariable migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the synovial fluid of canine joints injected with urate crystals, (b) the experimental suppression of the synovitis by the depletion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in animals treated with vinblastine, (c) the dependence of the degree of suppression on the degree of leukocyte mobilization into the joint space, and (d) the restoration of the inflammatory response in a leukopenic animal by perfusion with normal blood.