Alveolar macrophages (AM) of male rats (100-250 g), stressed or not, were e
valuated with relationship to superoxide production (SP). Plasma levels of
corticosterone were measured. The control group showed larger SP than the s
tressed group in all intervals of time. Exposure in vitro of AM to a synthe
tic glucocorticoid for 40 min (the same time of restraint stress) inhibits
SP. Therefore, it seems under stress situations there is an increase of pla
sma levels of corticosterone and a decrease of SP in AM after stimulation w
ith PMA. O-2(-) is a potent microbicide and its reduction could cause the l
oss of microbicidal activity of AM. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All righ
ts reserved.