[Importance of the function of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in intrinsic and extrinsic asthma. Interaction of whole serum in the control of cellular activity]. / Importancia de la función de los polimorfonucleares neutrófilos en el asma intrínseco y extrínseco. Interacción del suero total en el control de la actividad celular.

A study was made of polynuclear leucocyte function: chemotaxis, NBT reduction and the influence of total plasma on chemotaxis, was investigated in a large group of asthmatic paediatric patients, both during and between asthmatic attacks. It has been proved that polynuclear function is different in the two types of asthma. During the asthmatic's crisis and in the intrinsic patients in intercrisis periods, there is a polynuclear neutrophil hyperreaction when the chemotaxis and the NBT reduction are raised. An inhibited chemotactic activity in the plasma of these patients is noted. This activity doesn't produce irreversible effects on the cells; it acts as a regulating mechanism on the chemotactic factors found in plasmatic fractions.