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.

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.