Vitamin E turnover in cultured pulmonary alveolar macrophages

Abstract

Vitamin E (α-TH), the primary lipid soluble antioxidant, can protect tissues from oxidative insult. Oxidant-producing pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM), may depend on α-TH to prevent oxidative damage. α-TH levels in cultured PAM declined rapidly during the first 12-18 hours in culture. Approximately 60% of the decrease was detected as unoxidized alpha-TH released to RPMI 1640 (containing 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS)) culture medium. α-TH was not detected in serum-free Ham's F12 medium. PAM appeared to reabsorb α-TH from the medium. PAM activation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) did not affect cellular α-TH depletion. However, the amount of α-TH detected in the medium of PMA treated cultures was only 50% of that detected in medium from untreated controls. Inhibition of superoxide production with iodoacetate had no effect on cellular depletion kinetics, however medium α-TH levels were still 50% of controls. Inhibition of nitric oxide, synthesis appeared to have no effect on α-TH status.