Superoxide generation in leukocytes and vitamin E.
Superoxide generation in polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) can be detected through determination of chemiluminescence by stimulation with opsonized zymosan in association with the Cypridina luciferin analogue, 2 methyl-6-phenyl-3,7-dihydroimidazol[1,2-a]pyradin-3-one. Following the addition of vitamin E to cell suspensions, chemiluminescence was suppressed by a vitamin E concentration of more than 80 micrograms/10(9) cells. Superoxide production in PMNs was suppressed by both very low and very high levels of vitamin E (less than 2 micrograms/10(9) cells and more than 50 micrograms/10(9) cells, respectively). The high level of more than 50 micrograms/10(9) cells, which may be a dangerous level, was attained only by the intramuscular administration of 50 mg/kg/day for three days in rats. Young human adults (who received 600 mg/day for 3 months) or premature infants (who received 40 mg/kg/day for 8-14 days) developed PMN vitamin E concentrations not exceeding 30 micrograms/10(9) cells, and chemiluminescence was not affected. This indicates that oral administration of vitamin E does not impair PMN function, even in preterm infants. On the other hand, there was no enhancement of PMN function in premature infants and adults after vitamin E supplementation.
Okano
T
T
Department of Pediatrics, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Japan.
Tamai
H
H
Mino
M
M
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008297:Male; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013481:Superoxides / Q000097:blood*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology
D013481:Superoxides; D014810:Vitamin E