Granulocyte function in untreated pernicious anaemia

Neutrophil granulocyte functions were evaluated in nine patients with pernicious anaemia (PA). Membrane potential, oxygen consumption, nitroblue tetrozolium reduction, and phagocytosis and killing of staphylococci were determined prior to the institution of vitamin B12 therapy. There were no significant alterations in these granulocyte functions as compared with normal controls, although in several patients low values were seen. We conclude that in PA the oxidative metabolism and microbicidal functions of granulocytes in general are normal, even in severely anaemic patients.