CD64 (Fcγ receptor I) cell surface expression on maturing neutrophils from preterm and term newborn infants

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica 2005-03, Vol.94 (3), p.295-302
• Main Authors: FJAERTOFT, G., HÅKANSSON, L., FOUCARD, T., EWALD, U., VENGE, P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Biological and medical sciences; CD11b Antigen - metabolism; CD16; CD32; FcyRI; FcγRI; Female; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture - metabolism; Flow Cytometry; General aspects; Granulocyte; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature - physiology; infection; Medical sciences; MEDICIN; MEDICINE; Neutrophils - metabolism; Pregnancy; Receptors, IgG - metabolism
• ISSN: 0803-5253; 1651-2227; 1651-2227
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2005.tb03072.x

Background: The expression of CD64 (FcγRI) is increased from an almost negligible to a marked level on neutrophils in patients with bacterial infections. CD64 expression on neutrophils might therefore be a potential candidate for the diagnosis of bacterial infections in infants. Aim: This study was performed to monitor changes of neutrophil expression of CD64 during the postpartum period to further evaluate the usefulness of this analysis. The possible influence on the expression of this receptor by other factors was also investigated, including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and preterm rupture of the membranes (PROM). Methods: Cell surface expression of CD64 on neutrophils from preterm and term newborn infants and healthy adults was analysed by flow cytometry. The expression of the other Fcg receptors, CD32 and CD16, and the complement receptors CD11b/CD18 and CD35 was also analysed for comparison. Results: Neutrophils from preterm newborn infants showed a moderately increased level of CD64 expression that, during their first month of life, was reduced to the level observed on neutrophils from term newborn infants and adults. In contrast, the level of neutrophil expression of CD32 and CD 16 was significantly lower in preterm than term newborn infants and adults. Neutrophils from all groups indicated similar levels of CD 11b expression, but the expression on neutrophils from newborn infants increased afterbirth. Conclusion : Our results showed that neutrophil expression of CD64 is moderately increased in preterm newborn infants at birth. It seems not to be influenced by RDS, PROM or other factors related to preterm birth but by bacterial infection.