High-density lipoproteins inhibit the bacterial lipopolysaccharide mediated increase in oxidative metabolism and lysozyme release by neutrophilic granulocytes in vitro.

The effects of purified Salmonella endotoxin (LPS) and of LPS combined with isolated human plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) on oxidative metabolism, measured by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)-test, and on lysozyme release of human granulocytes have been studied in vitro. A considerable increase in the NBT-reduction and in lysozyme release was noted in granulocytes exposed to LPS. The stimulating effect of LPS on NBT-reduction and lysozyme release was significantly diminished when the cells were incubated with LPS together with HDL. These observations suggest that HDL in vivo may play an important part in inhibition of metabolic changes induced in granulocytes by LPS which leads to the production and secretion of tissue damaging mediators.