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Effect of ascorbic acid on stimulatory status of activated mouse peritoneal phagocytes
Rachna Agarwal1, A K Tripathi, Asit K Chakrabarty
1Department of Biochemistry, University College of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi 110095, India.
Abstract:
Mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) when elicited by the antioxidant ascorbic acid have been found to be significantly stimulatory, exhibiting marked alteration at the cellular and enzyme levels. Alterations recorded were as follows--cellular yield per mouse, their protein content, lysosomal acid hydrolase levels and capability to phagocyte, all were significantly enhanced. The new stimulant was observed to produce no synergistic action on MPM when thioglycollate, BCG or endotoxin along with the same stimulated the latter. Levels of antioxidants like ascorbic acid and glutathione were found to be enhanced in elicited macrophages whereas superoxide dismutase levels varied when the three above stimulators were administered. However, the ascorbic acid elicited cells showed an increase in glutathione levels and a decrease in SOD levels but no change in total intracellular ascorbic acid levels. Further, though ascorbic acid interaction enhanced the phagocytic capability of MPM as compared to resident cells, no significant boosting of phagocytic process could be observed when each of three stimulators coupled with ascorbic acid was used for macrophage elicitation.
Insights
Ascorbic acid significantly enhances mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM), boosting cellular yield, protein content, and phagocytic ability. This antioxidant stimulation did not show synergistic effects with common macrophage activators.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) play a crucial role in the innate immune system.
- Antioxidants are known to modulate immune cell function.
- Understanding macrophage activation is key to developing immunotherapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stimulatory effects of ascorbic acid on mouse peritoneal macrophages.
- To analyze cellular and enzymatic alterations in macrophages elicited by ascorbic acid.
- To determine potential synergistic effects with other macrophage stimulants.
Main Methods:
- Elicitation of mouse peritoneal macrophages using ascorbic acid.
- Quantification of cellular yield, protein content, and lysosomal acid hydrolase levels.
- Assessment of phagocytic capability and intracellular antioxidant levels (ascorbic acid, glutathione, superoxide dismutase).
Main Results:
- Ascorbic acid significantly enhanced cellular yield, protein content, lysosomal acid hydrolase levels, and phagocytic capacity of MPM.
- Ascorbic acid and glutathione levels increased in elicited macrophages, while superoxide dismutase levels showed varied responses.
- No synergistic effects were observed when ascorbic acid was combined with thioglycollate, BCG, or endotoxin.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbic acid acts as a potent stimulant for mouse peritoneal macrophages, enhancing key functional parameters.
- Ascorbic acid elicits macrophages with altered antioxidant profiles, including increased glutathione and decreased SOD.
- The observed effects of ascorbic acid on macrophages are independent of synergistic interactions with common immune activators.
