Activation of Neutrophil-like Cells Stimulated by Polymer Surfaces

Polymeric materials sometimes induce inflammatory response and tissue injury when they are clinically used. This preliminary study was carried out to elucidate the activation state of neutrophils non-specifically stimulated by the polymer materials. Sulfonation of polystyrene and graft polymerization of acrylamide, sodium styrenesulfonate, and N,N-dimethyl aminopropylacrylamide onto polyetherurethane were carried out. The amount of active oxygen from neutrophil-like cells in contact with these materials was measured for 7 min at 37°C. Activating agents were added to adhered cells 30 min after incubation. The first activation was dependent on the strength of the interaction between cells and the polymer surfaces. The second activation changed with the degree of the first activation and incubation time. These results suggest that the first stimulation partially induces cell activation; the stimulation is then stored, and is fired when cells are stimulated, and if not so fired, is eventually disposed of.