Pulmonary sequestration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes released from bone marrow in bacteremic infection

Experiments were performed to investigate the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) or neutrophils from the bone marrow into the lung tissue succeeding bacteremic infection. The bone marrow release and sequestration of PMNs during a focal subcutaneous infection were measured using immunohistochemistry. Granulocytopenia was observed following the infection and was attributed to the release of younger and immature PMNs in the circulation.