Modulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte function by doxorubicin (Adriamycin) 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 degrees 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, 1000 and 200 micrograms/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 micrograms/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.