Granulocyte Chemotaxis in the Chediak-Higashi Syndrome of Mink

Studies of granulocyte chemotaxis were performed in mink with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome. In vivo migration of leukocytes to an inflammatory site was reduced in the affected animals. In vitro studies documented a consistent early impairment in the chemotactic response of Chediak-Higashi mink granulocytes. Serum from Chediak-Higashi mink generated normal amounts of chemotactic factors. The cellular defect in leukocyte chemotaxis in mink is comparable to that observed in humans with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome and may contribute to the increased susceptibility to infection in this disease.