Describe the role of neutrophils during inflammation
Within just a few hours after the onset of a serious inflammation the number of neutrophils in the blood may increase by up to 4-5 times. Approximately 30 mins after the onset of inflammation a large number of neutrophils reach the affected area. They squeeze between intercellular junctions between endothelial cells lining blood vessels to get to the tissues. Neutrophils phagocytose bacteria and digest them using lysosomes (which contain lysozymes). After it kills the bacterium the neutrophil itself will die. Neutrophils also release cytokines which are transported, via the blood, to the bone marrow where they stimulate the release of stored neutrophils and increase the production of neutrophils and monocytes. Neutrophils also increase the permeability of the blood vessel walls to allow more cells involved in inflammation to reach the tissues.