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Vitamin E decreases superoxide anion production by polymorphonuclear leukocytes
W A Engle1, M C Yoder, J L Baurley
1Section of Neonatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis.
Pediatric Research
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Pharmacologic vitamin E levels in infants may increase infection risk. This study found vitamin E significantly reduced superoxide anion production in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), impacting bacterial killing ability.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pharmacologic serum levels of vitamin E are linked to infectious complications in low birth weight infants.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant, but its role in immune cell function at high concentrations is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effect of pharmacologic vitamin E on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) superoxide anion production.
- To determine if vitamin E or its vehicle impacts the oxidative activity of PMNs.
Main Methods:
- Human PMNs were exposed in vitro to varying concentrations of vitamin E, its vehicle, and buffer.
- Superoxide anion production was measured after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate.
Main Results:
- Vitamin E significantly decreased superoxide anion production in PMNs compared to vehicle-treated controls.
- This depression of oxidative activity was observed at vitamin E concentrations of 5.0 and 10.0 mg/dl, but not 3.5 mg/dl.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacologic concentrations of vitamin E can depress PMN oxidative activity.
- This finding supports the hypothesis that high vitamin E levels may impair immune function and predispose infants to infections.