The influence of vitamin E on human polymorphonuclear cell metabolism and function.

These studies on the effect of administration of 1,600 units of vitamin E to humans indicated the following responses to the PMNs (TABLE 6). Functional alterations occur with an increased ability to ingest particles but a mild decrease in bactericidal potency of the PMN. Although the respiratory burst is slightly enhanced as is superoxide anion release, H2O2 release from the PMN is markedly impaired. The hexose monophosphate shunt activity, which is dependent on intracellular H2O2 is decreased during phagocytosis. Membrane responses such as changes in order parameter during phagocytosis as reported by the stearic acid analogue probe 5DS are similar to those of normal PMNs. The release of arachidonic acid from membranes of vitamin E PMNs during phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan is slightly enhanced, indicating normal phospholipase A2 activation. NADH oxidase-derived H2O2 is not impaired within phagocytic generated by NADPH oxidase in phagocytic vesicles, accounting for impairment in HMPS activity and bactericidal activity in these cells.