Medical expert of the article

Children's immunologist

New publications

The reaction of inhibition of migration of leukocytes in the blood

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 18.10.2021

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

The values of the inhibition of migration of leukocytes in the blood are normal: migration with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is 20-80%, with concanavalin A (ConA) 40-75%, with a specific antigen 80-120%.

The reaction of inhibition of migration of leukocytes allows one to assess the ability of T-lymphocytes to produce lymphokines in response to antigenic stimulation. This test evaluating the functional activity of T-lymphocytes can be used to diagnose immunological failure (reaction with mitogens), hypersensitivity (allergies) of delayed type (reaction with a specific antigen or allergen). The inhibition of migration of leukocytes can also be used to detect an immune response to infectious agents, to determine the degree of histocompatibility and in tumor processes.

This test characterizes the activity of the inflammatory process. An increase in the inhibition of migration of leukocytes should be considered as a prognostically favorable factor; clinically it is accompanied by faster recovery of patients with acute surgical diseases after surgical intervention and shortening of the postoperative period. The inhibition of migration of leukocytes can be very significant in allergic reactions. Diseases and conditions leading to a change in the inhibition of migration of leukocytes

Increase in the

Functional deficiency of T-lymphocytes, immunodeficiency (including HIV infection), congenital defects of the T-link of immunity
Chronic inflammation
Neoplasms
Heavy burns, injuries, stress
Intestinal and renal protein loss syndromes, aging
Malnutrition
Treatment with cytostatics and immunosuppressants
Ionizing radiation

Decrease in the indicator

Reduction of migration with a specific antigen or allergen testifies to the sensitization of lymphocytes to these antigens (allergies)
Reduction of migration with mitogens testifies to the hyperactivity of the immune system in allergic and autoimmune diseases

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.