Lysosomal Enzyme Release from Guinea Pig Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes by Influenza Virus

Extracellular release and subsequent decrease of intracellular lysosomal enzymes of guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) by influenza virus were observed. Total enzyme activity was also decreased in all the enzymes assayed. After incubation of the PMNLs with influenza virus at 37°C for 20 min, the degree in decrease of total enzyme activity varied from enzyme to enzyme: 50% in myeloperoxidase (MPO), 20% in acid phosphatase, 10% in N-Ac-β-glucosaminidase and β-glucuronidase and 5% in lysozyme, respectively.
Since MPO assumed to play a critical role in chemiluminescent response of luminol-enhanced system, the dysfunction in oxidative metabolism of PMNLs induced by influenza virus seems to be attributed to intraphagosomal and/or extracellular inactivation of MPO of PMNLs during the process of direct stimulation of respiratory burst.