Biology ETDs

Publication Date

1979

Abstract

Neutrophils have been described as the secretory organ of the inflammatory response (1) and are the main effector cells in host defense against acute bacterial infection (2,3,4,5). However, the mechanism by which cells move directionally toward or away from an inflammatory focus is a biological phenomenon which is poorly understood. Chemotaxis, directional migration, has been defined as a change in the direction of locomotion of a cell or organism, initiated by substances in the environment (6). Chemokinesis, on the other hand, is a change in speed or frequency of turning in randomly moving cells, induced by substances in the environment (6). In order for neutrophils to respond chemotactically or chemokinetically, they must be able to sense the presence of stimulants and gradients, convert these sensory impressions into cellular messages and translate the messages into action {7,8).

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Microbiology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dennis Van Epps

Second Committee Member

Ellen Heller Goldberg

Third Committee Member

Roger James Radloff

Fourth Committee Member

Carl Ernest Cords

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