The time course of calprotectin liberation from human neutrophil granulocytes after and endotoxin challenge.

Plasma calprotectin has previously been reported as a biomarker for sepsis. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the kinetics of calprotectin release from neutrophils exposed to and endotoxin. Whole blood samples were exposed to bacteria or endotoxin . Blood samples were collected after 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h and plasma calprotectin was analysed by particle enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay while TNF-α, IL-6, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were analyzed by ELISA. When neutrophils were exposed to either or endotoxin, calprotectin levels began to increase within a couple of hours after the challenge. Calprotectin increases early in response to bacterial challenge. Given the logistic advantages of the calprotectin analysis, this may be of interest for early diagnosis of bacterial infections.