Niacin reduces oxygen toxicity in mouse alveolar macrophages

Niacin at concentrations of 0.1-10 mM resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of oxygen toxicity in a mouse alveolar macrophage model. These concentrations of niacin did not affect alveolar macrophage function under normoxic conditions. Our results are consistent with observations from other groups that niacin reduces oxygen toxicity in bacteria and paraquat toxicity in bacteria and rats. The mechanism by which niacin reduces oxygen toxicity may involve the ability of niacin to function as an alternate substrate for NAD synthesis. Niacin may have clinical value in the prevention of oxygen toxicity.