Modulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte function by doxorubicin (Adriamycin(R)) and alpha tocopherol (vitamin E)

The effect of various concentrations of Adriamycin alone and Adriamycin plus vitamin E on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function was determined. Aliquots of PMNLs were incubated at 37°C with saline or vitamin E and then exposed to Adriamycin. A significant decrease in 1-¹⁴C glucose utilization and oxygen consumption by zymosan stimulated PMNLs occurred when PMNLs were incubated with 1, 10, 20, 100 and 200 μg/ml concentrations of Adriamycin. Preincubation of the PMNLs with vitamin E afforded partial protection at lower concentrations. The total uptake at 3, 10 and 20 min of methyl ³H thymidine labeled s. aureus by control PMNL was significantly greater than by PMNLs exposed for 60 min to 100 μg/ml of Adriamycin. Intracellular Adriamycin concentrations increased in a dose dependent fashion. Viability of cells before and after incubation was 95%. Adriamycin inhibited oxidative metabolic and functional activity of PMNLs in a dose related manner. Preincubation of PMNLs with vitamin E partially protected them from the effects of Adriamycin.