Abstract
Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) rich in Vitamin E have enhanced rates of chemotaxis and phagocytosis. To determine the effect of Vitamin E deficiency, weanling rats were nutritionally deprived of Vitamin E for two months. Both PMN and peritoneal macrophages (PM) were purified from Ficoll-hypaque gradients. Serum Vitamin E levels were 5.1% of control values. Chemotaxis was markedly impaired by both PMN and PM with values being 68% and 44% of control respectively. Ingestion of opsonized paraffin oil droplets was 44% and 43% of control by PMN and PM respectively. In contrast, those functions and metabolites reflecting an intact microtubule system were normal; e.g. degranulation, as quantitated by the release of the lysosomal enzyme β-glucuronidase into the extracellular media, capping as determined by the lateral migration of surface glycoprotein receptors into polar caps, and glutathione levels. On the other hand, the quantity of lipid membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids that were oxidized as assayed by the formation of malonyldial-dehyde was increased by 1.5 and 2.3 fold in PMN and PM compared to control respectively. These studies indicate that a deficiency in Vitamin E leads to altered pertubation of membrane function and lipid chemistry without altering cytoplasmic microtubule function and glutathione content.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Harris, R., Boxer, L. & Baehner, R. 606 ABNORMAL MEMBRANE FUNCTION OF PHAGOCYTES FROM VITAMIK E DEFICIENT RATS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 464 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00611
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00611