Adenosine accumulation in the blood of newborn mice weakens antimicrobial host defenses.

Pediatric intensive care patients are particularly susceptible to severe bacterial infections because of ineffective neutrophil responses. The reasons why neutrophils of newborns are less responsive than those of adults are not clear. Because adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine (ADO) tightly regulate neutrophils, we studied whether the ATP and ADO levels in the blood of newborn mice could impair the function of their neutrophils.

Adenosine Triphosphate Release From Influenza-Infected Lungs Enhances Neutrophil Activation and Promotes Disease Progression.

Background: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) enhances neutrophil responses, but little is known about the role of ATP in influenza infections.

Methods: We used a mouse influenza model to study if ATP release is associated with neutrophil activation and disease progression.

Results: Influenza infection increased pulmonary ATP levels 5-fold and plasma ATP levels 3-fold vs healthy mice.

Impaired ATP hydrolysis in blood plasma contributes to age-related neutrophil dysfunction.

Background: The function of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) decreases with age, which results in infectious and inflammatory complications in older individuals. The underlying causes are not fully understood. ATP release and autocrine stimulation of purinergic receptors help PMNs combat microbial invaders.