"White cells (leucocytes) kill bacteria and pathogenic fungus by
electrocuting them. Discovered by Jacques Schrenzel and Karl Heinz Krause
(Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland), this defence mechanism is
triggered as soon as receptors of the white cell detect the microbe's
presence. This signal activates an enzymatic system on the leucocyte's
membrane, composed of a "sleeping" enzyme (NADPH oxydase) and co-enzyme
(NADPH). The reaction begins by the enzyme "waking up", receiving electrons
from its co-enzyme, and transporting them through the membrane. Ejected out
of the white cell, this electronic flux is focused towards the bacteria by
means of oxygen molecules. And the microbe dies. This discovery might open
new lines of research on immunity deficiencies in patients who are deprived
of this enzymatic system.".
Sorry, no comment here. I'm still in shock !
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Jean-Pierre Lentin
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