[Immunomodulation by leukocytolysis. On the significance of lectin-polysaccharide complexes].
Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) are thought to function only as phagocytes. The ability of PMNs for a physiologically lysis has not been noticed so far. Therefore, PMNs are not only a clamp between the specific and unspecific immune system but an important regulator of the homoeostasis. All immune modifiers therapeutically used seem to stimulate the physiologically lysis of PMNs. This has been shown with mistletoe lectins. Most remarkable are findings that show lectins bound to polysaccharides drastically rise the ability of PMNs to undergo lysis.