The effect of glutamine supplementation on the function of neutrophils from exercised rats

In a recent publication, we showed the protective effect of glutamine on neutrophil apoptosis induced by acute exercise. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of a single bout of intensive exercise on rat neutrophil function and the possible effect of glutamine supplementation. An aqueous solution of glutamine was given by gavage (1 g per kg b.w.), 1 h before the exercise session. The exercise was carried out on a treadmill for 1 h at 85% VO2máx.. Neutrophils were obtained by intraperitoneal lavage with PBS. The following parameters were evaluated: phagocytosis capacity, production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen metabolites, expression of iNOS, and expression of NADPH-oxidase components (p22phox, p47phox and gp91phox). One hour of exercise at 85% VO2max. induced no change in the phagocytosis capacity and reactive oxygen species production but decreased nitric oxide production. When rats received oral glutamine supplementation, the phagocytosis capacity was significantly increased, the decrease in nitric oxide production induced by exercise was abolished and production of reactive oxygen species was raised. Glutamine supplementation presents a significant effect on neutrophil function including changes induced by exercise.