IMPAIRMENT OF PHAGOCYTOSIS BY MODERATE HYPEROXIA (40-PERCENT TO 60-PERCENT OXYGEN) IN LUNG MACROPHAGES

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 42  (6) , 622-626
Abstract
Exposure of isolated mouse lung macrophages to 40 and 60% O2 in tissue culture for 48 h resulted in significant depression of phagocytosis compared to air-exposed controls. Phagocytosis impairment was reversed when the cells were re-exposed to normoxic conditions for 48 h. Phagocytosis impairment occurred despite significant increases in intracellular superoxide dismutase activity, an enzyme felt to play a protective role in O2 toxicity. Exposure to 40 and 60% O2 increased the susceptibility of lung macrophages to functional impairment by 95% O2, rather than producing tolerance. The precise biologic and clinical significance of these findings requires additional studies in integrated systems. Unequivocal lung macrophage injury occurs with moderate hyperoxic exposure.