Abstract
Human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) underwent several changes in response to challenge with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, namely (1) an increase in oxygen uptake, (2) changes in membrane electrical properties, and (3) increased transport of chloride ions (Cl-) across the membrane. Mean oxygen consumption and Cl- uptake by PMNL were stimulated by both pilate (P+) and non-pilate (P-) gonococci, although the levels were much reduced in the presence of P+ organisms. P+ gonococci also initiated low levels of polarisation or depolarisation in contrast with P- cells, which caused hyperpolarisation followed by depolarisation in the PMNL. Most of the strains showed these patterns. High performance liquid chromatography of extracts of unstimulated PMNL and of PMNL challenged with gonococci confirmed production of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in the leucocyte. Furthermore, addition of radiolabelled Cl- to the PMNLs showed that some of the Cl- taken up by the cells in response to gonococcal challenge was incorporated into the HOCl, suggesting a direct relationship between stimulation of Cl- uptake and production of active chlorine compounds in the leucocyte.