Neutrophil bipolar shape formation in whole blood. A simple and rapid method for the assessment of neutrophil leukocyte responsiveness.

The described procedure permits assessment of the neutrophil shape change response to formyl-methionyl peptides added directly to EDTA anticoagulated whole blood. Response is monitored by counting the resultant number of "bipolar" neutrophil forms present on stained blood films. The preparation of monolayer blood films with a blood "spinner" facilitates uniform sample analysis. Time- and dose-response relationships for neutrophil bipolar shape formation (BSF) agree with data reported for other neutrophil response measurements. No significant change in leukocyte or platelet counts occurred after the addition of control or stimulatory agents to whole blood, nor did 90 min aging of freshly collected blood samples appear to influence the BSF response. In a study of hospitalized patients, BSF values were generally similar in those patients with normal or elevated leukocyte counts, while significantly decreased BSF was observed in leukopenic patients. A significant rise in BSF was detected as patient absolute neutrophil counts increased from a normal to an elevated range. When compared with a control group, the distribution of BSF response values for patients was significantly different. The simple and rapid measurement of BSF in whole blood might facilitate clinical assessment of neutrophil responsiveness, by eliminating many of the difficulties associated with neutrophil isolation.