Influence of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on granulocyte function.

Manipulation of dietary fatty acid content has been shown to influence platelet aggregation responses. Because granulocytes and platelets interact in a variety of biologic systems, we wondered whether a similar effect might be observed on granulocytes. Granulocyte function was therefore studied in three donors prior to and after three weeks upon a diet supplemented with large amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid. The previously reported attenuation of platelet aggregation was observed, but no effect was seen on granulocyte aggregation, chemotaxis, or superoxide production. Although several other explanations are possible, we suggest that the most likely explanation for this dichotomy is that granulocyte aggregation and chemotaxis are not centrally dependent upon production of thromboxane A.