Effect of stress on the production of O-2(-) in alveolar macrophages

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.