[Superoxide production of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in endotoxin shock and antioxidative effect of coenzyme Q10].

The present study was designed to determine the superoxide production of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in endotoxin shock and the antioxidative effect of coenzyme Q10. PMN were collected from rats before and after the intravenous administration of endotoxin. PMN were also collected from healthy humans. Superoxide production of PMN was measured by the cytochrome C method. Lipid peroxide in the liver was examined by the TBA method. Twelve hours after the intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg endotoxin, superoxide production of PMN was 13 times higher than that in the control rats, and the amount of lipid peroxide in the liver was increased. In coenzyme Q10 treated endotoxin shock rats, superoxide production was significantly decreased, and lipid peroxide production in the liver was also inhibited. These findings suggest that endotoxin has a priming effect on the superoxide production of PMN and induces lipid peroxidation. Furthermore coenzyme Q10 has an anti-endotoxin shock effect by inhibiting the superoxide production of PMN and lipid peroxidation in the liver.