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Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Magnetic Isolation of Microglial Cells from Neonate Mouse for Primary Cell Cultures
Published on: July 25, 2022
alpha-Tocopherol reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced peroxide radical formation and interleukin-6 secretion in primary
Jonathan P Godbout1, Brian M Berg, Keith W Kelley
1Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine if alpha-tocopherol-a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging agent-inhibits LPS-induced oxidative stress and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in murine microglia and brain. LPS increased intracellular peroxides and IL-6 in a dose-dependent fashion in primary microglia. The LPS-induced increase in ROS and IL-6 was reduced by pretreatment of alpha-tocopherol. Intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of LPS induced lipid peroxidation and IL-6 in brain. Importantly, three daily injections (20 mg) of alpha-tocopherol increased brain alpha-tocopherol and decreased LPS-induced lipid peroxidation and IL-6 in brain. Taken together, these data indicate that alpha-tocopherol can mitigate inflammatory cytokine production in the brain.
Insights
Alpha-tocopherol, a ROS scavenger, was tested for its ability to inhibit LPS-induced oxidative stress and IL-6 production. Results show alpha-tocopherol effectively reduced these inflammatory markers in both microglia and brain tissue.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers inflammatory responses in the brain, involving oxidative stress and cytokine production.
- Microglia are key immune cells in the brain, responding to LPS by releasing inflammatory mediators like interleukin-6 (IL-6).
- Oxidative stress, characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS), is implicated in neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of alpha-tocopherol on LPS-induced oxidative stress and IL-6 production.
- To determine if alpha-tocopherol can mitigate neuroinflammation in primary microglia and in vivo mouse brain models.
Main Methods:
- Primary murine microglia cultures were treated with LPS and alpha-tocopherol.
- In vivo studies involved intraperitoneal injection of LPS and alpha-tocopherol in mice.
- Measurements included intracellular peroxides, IL-6 levels, and lipid peroxidation in brain tissue.
Main Results:
- LPS administration dose-dependently increased ROS and IL-6 in microglia.
- Alpha-tocopherol pretreatment significantly reduced LPS-induced ROS and IL-6 in microglia.
- In vivo, LPS induced lipid peroxidation and IL-6; alpha-tocopherol treatment decreased these markers and increased brain alpha-tocopherol levels.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-tocopherol effectively inhibits LPS-induced oxidative stress and IL-6 production in murine microglia.
- Alpha-tocopherol administration mitigates neuroinflammation, reducing lipid peroxidation and IL-6 in the brain.
- These findings highlight alpha-tocopherol's potential as a therapeutic agent against LPS-induced neuroinflammation.
