Abstract
Granulocytes in sinus pus and in peripheral blood in 28 patients with maxillary sinus empyema were compared to blood granulocytes obtained from healthy blood donors. A flow cytofluorometric assay technique was used to establish the C3b-mediated phagocytosis and the CR1-receptor expression. The results indicate that a subpopulation of viable granulocytes in situ was activated with an increased ability to ingest particles. From 11 of 28 patients, an increased CR1-expression was also demonstrated in the blood samples, reflecting a priming of the circulating granulocytes before extravasation.