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Does glutamine contribute to immunosuppression after major burns?
M Parry-Billings1, J Evans, P C Calder
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Low glutamine levels impair immune cell function, particularly lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage phagocytosis. This reduction in glutamine may explain immune dysfunction following major burn injuries.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Glutamine is a crucial amino acid for immune cell function.
- Immune function is often impaired following major burn injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of glutamine concentration on lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage phagocytosis in vitro.
- To assess plasma glutamine levels in patients with major burn injury.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using varying glutamine concentrations in culture media.
- Measurement of lymphocyte proliferation rates post-mitogenic stimulation.
- Assessment of macrophage phagocytosis rates.
- Plasma glutamine concentration analysis in burn patients compared to healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Reduced glutamine concentration (0.05 mmol/l) significantly decreased human lymphocyte proliferation and mouse macrophage phagocytosis.
- Burn patients exhibited a 58% lower plasma glutamine concentration compared to controls, persisting for at least 21 days post-injury.
Conclusions:
- Glutamine availability directly influences immune cell functions like proliferation and phagocytosis.
- Decreased plasma glutamine levels in burn patients may contribute to impaired immune responses.
- Maintaining adequate glutamine levels could be important for immune recovery after severe injury.