Neutrophil functions, including chemotaxis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing capacity of neutrophils, and serum opsonic activity were investigated in 9 young healthy male volunteers. Venous blood of these volunteers was obtained under standardized conditions at 4-h intervals over a 24-h span. Neutrophil chemotaxis was evaluated by a modified Boyden technique, ROS-producing capacity of neutrophils and serum opsonic activity were measured by a simultaneous multiple measurement system based on luminol-dependent chemiluminescence and indicated by peak height and peak time. ROS-producing capacity of neutrophils and serum opsonic activity were activated in the daytime, and decreased from night to morning. There were negative correlations between the peak time of the luminol-dependent chemiluminescent response, neutrophil number (p0.01). On the other hand, no significant correlations were noted between serum opsonic activity and IgG, IgA, IgM, C3 or C4. In contrast, the peaks of neutrophil chemotaxis were at the wake-up time (6:00a.m.) and in the evening (6:00p.m.). This study indicates that diurnal variation of neutrophil function exists.