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Effect of functional stimulation on ascorbate content in phagocytes under physiological and pathological conditions
International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Phagocytic cells like neutrophils and macrophages accumulate high levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Immune challenges and trauma significantly deplete these vital intracellular vitamin C stores.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Phagocytic cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, exhibit significantly higher intracellular concentrations of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) compared to plasma.
- Ascorbic acid is a crucial antioxidant and plays a role in immune cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intracellular ascorbate levels in phagocytic cells under various physiological and pathological conditions.
- To determine the impact of immune stimulation and cellular stress on intracellular ascorbic acid content.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of intracellular ascorbate concentrations in neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes, and total white blood cells.
- Experimental models included stimulation with opsonized zymosan, induction of rheumatoid disease, and induction of surgical and thermal trauma in rats.
Main Results:
- Neutrophils and macrophages demonstrated 10-40 times higher intracellular ascorbate than plasma.
- Immune stimulation (zymosan) and conditions like rheumatoid disease, surgical, and thermal trauma led to decreased intracellular ascorbate levels in phagocytes.
- These decreases were particularly pronounced in peritoneal and alveolar macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Intracellular ascorbic acid is essential for the proper functioning of phagocytic cells.
- Phagocytes actively accumulate and utilize vitamin C, and its levels are sensitive to immune activation and cellular stress.