Supply of R-α-lipoic acid to glutamine-fed mice influences the number of B cells and tissue glutathione levels during endotoxemia

An overwhelming production of reactive oxygen species concomitant with a decreased antioxidative capacity plays an important role in the dysregulation of the immune system of critically ill patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of a combined oral supply of the antioxidant R-α-lipoic acid (LA) and glutamine (GLN) on the immunity of endotoxemic mice with a special focus on tissue glutathione levels. Female Balb/c mice were fed diets enriched with GLN (3g/100kcal), LA (0.74mg/100kcal), a combination of GLN and LA or an isocaloric and isonitrogenic control diet for 10 days. On day 7, the mi…