FISH-OIL GIVEN BY GAVAGE INCREASES LYMPHOCYTE-PROLIFERATION AND PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE BY RAT MACROPHAGES

1. The effect of fish oil (FO) administration by gavage (0.4% body wei ght) on macrophage and lymphocyte function was investigated in young m ale rats. The results were compared with those obtained by administrat ion of soybean oil (SB) and cocoa butter (CB). 2. Lymphocyte prolifera tion was markedly increased by FO administration compared with control and other oils. 3. Macrophage phagocytosis capacity was not affected by FO, but it was increased by CB and SE. 4. The oils did not affect t he production of O-2(.-) but increased the production of H2O2 in the p resence of PMA. 5. The administration of the oils did not markedly aff ect the activity of antioxidant enzymes in macrophages, except for a d ecrease in superoxide dismutase activity by FO. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scie nce Inc.