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Published on: November 30, 2022
The effect of intralipid on human lymphocyte and monocyte function
I Fraser1, J Neoptolemos, P Woods
1Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, PO Box 65, Leicester UK.
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|April 1, 1983
Summary
Intralipid, a lipid emulsion, did not affect lymphocyte function but impaired monocyte function in patients and volunteers. This suggests caution when using Intralipid in patients susceptible to sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutrition Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Parenteral nutrition often involves lipid emulsions like Intralipid.
- The impact of Intralipid on immune cell function requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Intralipid on peripheral blood lymphocyte and monocyte function.
- To explore the potential mechanisms behind Intralipid-induced immune cell alterations.
Main Methods:
- Assessing peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation (PHA) and monocyte chemotaxis.
- Evaluating monocyte function through three distinct measures.
- Utilizing electron microscopy and autoradiography to examine monocyte-lipid interactions in vitro.
Main Results:
- Intralipid did not significantly alter lymphocyte function in patients on parenteral nutrition or in healthy volunteers.
- Monocyte function, specifically chemotaxis, was significantly impaired by Intralipid in both groups.
- In vitro exposure to Intralipid also depressed multiple measures of monocyte function.
- Electron microscopy and autoradiography suggested phagocytosis of lipid particles by monocytes may underlie the observed impairment.
Conclusions:
- Intralipid administration can detrimentally affect monocyte function, potentially increasing sepsis risk.
- Caution is advised when using Intralipid in immunocompromised patients or those at high risk for infection.
- Further research into Intralipid's immunomodulatory effects is warranted.
