Role of free radical processes in stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Biochemistry 1986 Dec 02;25(24):8042-8
Date
12/02/1986Pubmed ID
3026467DOI
10.1021/bi00372a037Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0022880033 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 42 CitationsAbstract
Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes produce large quantities of superoxide when they attack and kill bacteria. However, superoxide is a weak oxidizing and reducing agent, and other more reactive oxygen species derived from reactions of superoxide are suggested to participate in the killing processes. To test the hypothesis that a reactive free radical or singlet oxygen is involved in bactericidal activity, human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were exposed to phagocytozable particles containing lipids that contain the easily autoxidized 1,4-diene moiety. After incubation the preparations were extracted and the extracts reduced with NaBH4 to convert hydroperoxides to stable alcohols. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to analyze the extracts, we were unable to detect products unless iron salts were added to the medium. The products obtained by extraction are those that would be expected if both free radical chain autoxidation and 1O2 oxidation were taking place. In summary, we find that polymorphonuclear leukocytes do not cause peroxidation, implying that formation of strongly oxidizing free radicals is not an intrinsic property of the leukocyte. Added iron catalyzes peroxidation by activated leukocytes yielding an unusual distribution of hydroxylated products.
Author List
Thomas MJ, Shirley PS, Hedrick CC, DeChatelet LRAuthor
Michael J. Thomas PhD Professor in the Pharmacology and Toxicology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Free RadicalsGas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Humans
Hydrogen Peroxide
Neutrophils
Oxidation-Reduction
Oxygen
Oxygen Consumption
Phagocytosis
Singlet Oxygen
Superoxides
