Depressed Phagocytic Function Exhibited by Polymorphonuclear Leucocytes from Chronically Iron Deficient Rabbits

Abstract

The production of chronic Fe deficiency in rabbits was associated with impaired phagocytosis of opsonized Staphylococcus aureus by their polymorphonuclear leukocytes. These cells had a reduced ability to ingest the bacteria and the rate of ingestion could not be stimulated by autologous serum leukophilic .gamma.-globulin. [These findings may have relevance to the increased infection incidence in Fe deficiency anemia patients.].