Modulation of human peripheral blood monocyte superoxide release by interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have generated increasing interest for their possible role in a wide variety of diseases. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a potent immunoregulatory lymphokine, is likely involved in control of ROS metabolism. In this study, the superoxide release of cultured human peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) after exposure to IFN-gamma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was examined. Compared with controls, adherent monocytes cultured with 80 units of IFN-gamma for 48 hours demonstrated fourfold increased spontaneous and twofold increased PMA stimulated release of superoxide anion. In addition, the enhanced superoxide release was both dose and time dependent. Further experiments showed that bacterial LPS in concentrations as low as 4 ng/mL markedly reduced monocyte superoxide release and abrogated the enhancing effects of IFN-gamma.