Functional and biochemical properties of ovine neutrophils

Ovine neutrophils were isolated and characterised by their morphology, biochemical and functional responses. Two major granule types were observed, peroxidase positive and peroxidase negative, which were identified as the ovine equivalent of the human azurophil and specific granules respectively. A third type of granule identified, which was present at low frequency and was peroxidase negative, was possibly the ovine equivalent of the bovine large granule. Superoxide production following stimulation with PMA, A23187, PAF, ConA and opsonized zymosan (ZC), was 20–50% less, compared to bovine and human neutrophils. Coincubation of PMA with either PAF or A23187 enhanced superoxide production by 4 to 5 fold above that of the latter stimulants alone. The amount of β-glucuronidase was similar to, while myeloperoxidase was more than twice that found in bovine neutrophils. Vitamin B12 binding protein was found in very small amounts, compared to that of bovine or human neutrophils. It was observed that coincubation of PMA with PAF, or A23187 resulted in an inhibition of β-glucuronidase secretion and an enhancement of myeloperoxidase secretion, respectively. Phagocytic capability of ovine neutrophils was found to be optimal at a neutrophil to ZC ratio of 1 : 10, and which corresponded with an enhanced myeloperoxidase secretion.