Normal macrophage function in infants receiving Intralipid by low-dose intermittent administration.

The effect of soybean oil emulsion (Intralipid) therapy on serum complement levels was determined in infants who received Intralipid therapeutically (1 gm/kg over 12 hours, every other day). The effect of Intralipid on macrophage priming for increased superoxide anion production was studied in a mouse model. Intralipid administration did not affect either macrophage function. Serum levels of C2 and C4, complement components synthesized and secreted exclusively in macrophages, were not decreased either during the week the infants received Intralipid or in the week following administration. Macrophages from mice that had received Intralipid produced similar amounts of superoxide anion, as did macrophages from mice that had received saline solution. Our data suggest that macrophages in infants receiving Intralipid in this regimen will function normally.