Neutrophil migration in vitro and in vivo during hypothermia

Abstract

The effect of hypothermia on pig leukocyte migration in vitro and in vivo was studied. Neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro under agarose was significantly impaired at 29°C (2.7 ± 0.6 [mean ± standard error]; 37°C, 7.1 ± 1.1). Leukocytes isolated from hypothermic pigs and tested at 37° C migrated normally (7.8 ± 0.6). Neutrophil and monocyte migration in vivo was markedly reduced at 29°C. Reduced inflammatory responses may contribute to increased infections during hypothermia.