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PubMed1992

Studies of embryotoxicity and the incidence of external malformations after continuous intravenous infusion of alpha-chaconine in pregnant rats.

Embryotoxicity and effects on the incidence of external malformations of the major potato glycoalkaloid alpha-chaconine (alpha-cha) were studied in rats. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 17) were given a continuous intravenous infusion of alpha-cha via implanted osmotic minipumps (1.7 mg/kg/day), to maintain a stable blood concentration on days 6-13 of gestation. Control animals received physiological saline solution or were left untreated, respectively. Blood serum levels of alpha-cha were monitored at selected time intervals during the treatment using a specific HPLC method. The foetal body weights and the number of resorbed or dead foetuses per litter in the alpha-cha treated group were not significantly different from the control groups. No case of malformation was detected among 143 foetuses inspected in the treated group. The average maternal blood serum concentration of alpha-cha measured during the experiment was 340 ng/ml. This is more than 20 times the average peak serum level previously reported for human volunteers after intake of potatoes with a total glycoalkaloid content at the upper safe limit for acute adverse effects. The results support the view that potato glycoalkaloids, at levels normally found in potatoes, do not present a risk for teratogenicity in humans.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

[Plasma and urine kinetics of amitriptyline oxide and its metabolites. Comparison of intravenous infusion and oral administration in volunteers].

The study objective was to obtain detailed information on the plasma and urine kinetics of amitriptylinoxide (CAS 4317-14-0) and its metabolites. For this reason, 60 mg of amitriptylinoxide was administered to 12 subjects, both by intravenous infusion and by oral dosage, in a study performed according to a randomized two-way cross-over design. In plasma, we succeeded in analyzing the metabolites amitriptyline and nortriptyline in addition to the parent substance amitriptyloxide. The tests for the parent substance amitriptylinoxide revealed maximum plasma levels of 721 and 686 ng/ml at 1.96 h (i.v. infusion) and 0.82 h (oral formulation), respectively. Mean values of 2331 (infusion) and 1714 h.ng/ml (oral formulation) were determined for the area under the curve from time 0 to infinity AUC (0-infinity). We also produced a comprehensive evaluation of amitriptyline, however, this was not possible for the metabolite nortriptyline. In urine, we succeeded in a reliable quantification of 4 metabolites, namely cis-OH-amitriptylinoxide, trans-OH-amitriptylinoxide, amitriptyline and OH-nortriptyline, in addition to the parent substance amitriptylinoxide. In individual samples, nortriptyline, cis-OH-amitriptyline and trans-OH-amitriptyline were additionally identified. In the course of the study, there were no reports or observations of any adverse reactions in addition to the side effects known for amitriptylinoxide from literature. There were no clinically relevant differences in tolerability observed between these two preparations.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1994

Intravenous infusion or nebulization of salbutamol for treatment of hyperkalemia in patients with chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Hyperkalemia is one of the frequent medical emergencies in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). We studied and compared the efficacy and safety of salbutamol either by intravenous infusion (i.v.) or nebulization (NB) in treating CRF patients with hyperkalemia. METHODS: Thirty-four patients (BUN > 80 mg/dl, serum creatinine > 8.0 mg/dl, and plasma potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) were randomly assigned to receive either i.v. (0.5 mg) or NB (10 mg) treatment of salbutamol. Plasma potassium, sodium, osmolarity, glucose, insulin, PCO2, blood pH, blood pressure and heart rate were monitored. RESULTS: One third of i.v. group and one fourth of NB group of patients were resistant to salbutamol treatment and were excluded from the study. All the baseline data were similar between 2 groups. After treatment, significant decrease in plasma potassium was found in both groups. The maximal reduction of plasma potassium was 0.95 +/- 0.14 mEq/L and occurred 30 minutes after i.v. treatment (n = 12) while it was 0.88 +/- 0.13 mEq/L and occurred 90 minutes after NB treatment (n = 12). During the first ninety minutes after treatments, the decrease of plasma potassium in IV group was faster and greater than in NB group. After that, the hypokalemic effect was more profound in NB group till the end of the study. The hypokalemic effects of both treatments sustained for at least 3 hours. Plasma insulin and glucose increased (p < 0.05) in both groups, whereas blood pH, PCO2, sodium, osmolarity and blood pressure did not change significantly. The reduction of potassium was significantly correlated with the elevation of insulin (i.v.: r = -0.56, p < 0.05; NB: r = -0.54, p < 0.05). Heart rate elevated significantly in both groups; nevertheless, this elevation was less marked in NB group. CONCLUSIONS: Both routes of administration of salbutamol resulted in a prompt and significant decrease of plasma potassium concentrations and both are considered as simple, effective and safe alternatives in treating hyperkalemia in patients with CRF. However, i.v. therapy might be preferred in CRF patients requiring a rapid lowering in plasma potassium; nebulization, on the other hand, should be preferred in CRF patients with coronary artery diseases.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1994

Pharmacokinetics of valproate after multiple-dose oral and intravenous infusion administration: gastrointestinal-related diurnal variation.

A randomized, crossover study was conducted in healthy male volunteers to assess the diurnal variation in the steady-state pharmacokinetics of valproate after multiple 250-mg oral and intravenous infusion doses after an intravenous 750-mg loading dose. Multiple blood samples were collected throughout each 168-hour study period, and plasma valproate concentrations were quantitated using a gas chromatographic technique. Within-regimen comparisons indicated statistically significant differences for mean steady-state peak (Cmax) and trough (Cmin) plasma concentrations and area under the plasma concentration-versus-time curve (AUC) between the second and third doses on day 4 after oral dosing, indicating a diurnal variation in the rate of valproate absorption from the delayed-release tablet preparation. Between-regimen steady-state comparisons of pharmacokinetic parameters revealed some significant differences in mean time to Cmax (Tmax), Cmax, Cmin, AUC, and total body clearance for respective day-4 dosing intervals, but not for the entire day 4, except for Cmin and Tmax. Mean elimination rate constant and half-life did not significantly differ between the regimens. The regimens were bio-equivalent at steady state, as assessed by 90% confidence intervals (two one-sided test procedures) for Cmax, Cmin, and AUC, with similarity in degrees of fluctuation ((Cmax-Cmin)/Caverage). Despite the presence of diurnal variation in valproate absorption after oral dose administration, the steady-state plasma concentration-versus-time profile was well maintained by both regimens within the accepted therapeutic range of 50 to 100 micrograms/mL.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2001

[Role of continuous intravenous infusion of morphine in the cancer pain relieving therapy].

Oral morphine treatment for cancer pain relief is established as central parts of 'WHO Regimen'. But many terminal stage cancer patients suffer from swallowing difficulty and nausea, and require other administration routes of morphine. Continuous intravenous infusion(CIVI) of morphine is the most reliable route at these conditions. We have had good results from the treatment of over 600 cancer pain patients with CIVI-morphine method. We interpreted our practical methods of CIVI-morphine treatment and commented on recently introduced injection 'morphine--100 mg/10 ml prefilled syringe', Prepenon injection.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

PubMed1989

[The effects of intravenous infused magnesium on hemodynamics and renal water-sodium metabolism in patients with essential hypertension].

Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), urine volume (UV), urinary excretion of sodium (UNaV), endogenous creatinine clearance (Ccr), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) were measured before and after intravenous infusion of 10% magnesium sulfate (an initial dose: Mg 13.5 mg/m2.BSA/15 min; a maintenance dose: Mg 2.7 mg/m2.BSA/105 min) in 6 normotensive subjects (NT) and 12 mild-to-moderate essential hypertensives (EHT). Following magnesium infusion, serum magnesium concentration (s-Mg) increased and reached the level of about 1.8 times basal value. Significant increases of UV, UNaV and FENa in both NT and EHT, and a similar tendency of Ccr in EHT were observed, while no significant change in MAP nor HR was found in the two groups. The changes in UNaV (delta UNaV) were positively correlated with those in FENa (delta FENa) and a similar tendency was shown between delta UNaV and change in Ccr (delta Ccr) in all subjects. While there was no significant percentage change of s-Mg (% delta s-Mg) nor of Ccr (% delta Ccr), those of UNaV (% delta UNaV) and FENa (% delta FENa) were significantly greater in EHT. It is concluded from these findings that magnesium infusion produces diuresis and the natriuresis which might result from suppression of renal tubular reabsorption of sodium, without any change in systemic hemodynamics in NT and EHT. The pronounced natriuretic response to magnesium in EHT might contribute to the hypotensive mechanism of magnesium loading in EHT.

Female↗

PubMed1986

[Intracoronary thrombolysis or brief intravenous infusion of high-dose streptokinase in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction].

Intracoronary infusions of streptokinase result in recanalization in about 80% of patients treated during the 4 hours following the first symptoms of myocardial infarction. With short, high dose intravenous infusions (streptokinase 1,500,000 units in 30 min) the recanalization rate is of the order of 60-75%. The high dose of streptokinase is well tolerated, and the intravenous infusion presents the advantage of shortening by about 2 hours the delay required to start intracoronary administration.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

A phase 1 study of OSI-211 given as an intravenous infusion days 1, 2, and 3 every three weeks in patients with solid cancers.

PURPOSE: To define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase II dose (RD) and dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of liposomal lurtotecan, OSI-211 (formerly known as NX211), given as a short intravenous infusion on days 1, 2, and 3 every three weeks. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled and treated in a dose escalation study from a starting dose of 0.15 mg/m(2) daily x 3 to 2.1 mg/m(2) daily x 3. Detailed pharmacokinetic analyses of blood were done on both days 1 and 3 of the first cycle and toxicity was monitored. RESULTS: Two MTDs were defined; one for patients defined as minimally pretreated and one for those heavily pretreated. Dose limiting toxicity was myelosuppression: primarily thrombocytopenia although neutropenia was also noted. The MTD was 2.1 mg/m(2)/d (total dose of 6.3 mg/m(2)) in minimally pretreated patients and 1.8 mg/m(2)/d (5.4 mg/m(2) total dose) in heavily pretreated patients. Pharmacokinetics revealed that AUC and C (max) increased with dose and were significantly higher than that of free lurtotecan (AUC approx. 100 fold higher). The half life and duration of the active lactone form were also significantly longer than historical data on free drug. Two partial responses were seen, one each in a patient with breast and ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Two Phase II recommended doses were established for OSI-211 given as a daily x 3 schedule every three weeks. The recommended phase II dose is 1.8 mg/m(2) daily x 3 for minimally pretreated patients and 1.5 mg/m(2) for those heavily pretreated. Phase II studies should be initiated in sensitive tumours.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Hormonal, fluid, and electrolyte responses of sheep during chronic intravenous infusion of epidermal growth factor.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been shown to increase water intake and urine volume. To further characterize these responses the effects of EGF on fluid balance, electrolyte, and hormone profiles were examined. After an 8-day control period, ewes received intravenous EGF at doses of 0 (n = 6), 2 (low dose, n = 6), 10 (medium dose, n = 6), or 20 micrograms/h (high dose, n = 5) for 4 days. During EGF treatment, water intake and urine volume increased (both P < 0.001) in a dose-related fashion, although fluid balance was unaffected. Feed intake and fecal dry matter output were reduced (both P < 0.001) by the two higher doses of EGF. EGF had no effect on plasma potassium, sodium, or osmolality, but there was a dose-related natriuresis (P < 0.001). Treatment with EGF increased plasma renin activity and aldosterone in the medium and high dose groups (both P < 0.001). Thus chronic intravenous infusion of 10-20 micrograms EGF/h into sheep caused polydipsia, polyuria, and natriuresis with neutral fluid balance. Whether the resultant polydipsia or polyuria was the primary response to EGF remains unclear.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Pharmacokinetics of isosorbide dinitrate in healthy volunteers after 24-hour intravenous infusion.

No studies have examined the pharmacokinetics of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) after infusion of long duration, even though such infusions are used in patients. We therefore measured ISDN and its active metabolites, isosorbide-5-mononitrate (IS5MN) and isosorbide-2-mononitrate (IS2MN), in plasma of 9 healthy volunteers who received a continuous intravenous infusion of ISDN for 24 hours at a dose rate that lowered diastolic blood pressure by 10% during the first 30 minutes of infusion. All subjects tolerated the infusion except one who experienced intolerable headache. Five subjects received 1 microgram.min-1.kg-1, one 2 micrograms.min-1.kg-1, and two 4 micrograms.min-1.kg-1 ISDN, whereas the full rate of 6 micrograms.min-1.kg-1 was used continuously in one subject. At all infusion rates the plasma concentrations of ISDN were higher at 24 hours than at earlier times, suggesting that a steady-state condition had not been reached at that time. The same was true for the mononitrate metabolites, which reached higher plasma concentrations and were cleared more slowly than the parent compound after the end of the infusion. Apparent elimination half-lives of ISDN, IS2MN, and IS5MN were 67 +/- 10 minutes, 115 +/- 13 minutes, and 272 +/- 38 minutes, respectively. Comparison of low-rate infusions (1 and 2 micrograms.min-1.kg-1) with high-rate infusions (4 and 6 micrograms.min-1.kg-1) showed that the plasma concentration ratios at 24 hours of mononitrate metabolites to parent drug and apparent plasma clearance of ISDN were almost halved at the higher infusion rates.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Mitomycin-C plus a 3-day continuous intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil: an inactive salvage regimen for platinum-resistant ovarian carcinoma.

In a Phase II trial, patients with refractory ovarian cancer were given 10 mg/m2 mitomycin-C i.v. every 8 weeks and 1000 mg/m2/day 5-fluorouracil for 3 consecutive days by continuous intravenous infusion repeated every 4 weeks. Sixteen heavily pretreated patients with platinum-resistant disease were treated and no major responses were observed. Only 2 patients required subsequent dose reduction for myelotoxicity. No sign of gastrointestinal toxicity was seen. This regimen is inactive as salvage treatment for refractory ovarian cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Eye symptoms, visual evoked potentials and EEG during intravenous infusion of glycine.

Disturbance of vision is a complication that may occur from absorption of the glycine solution used to irrigate the bladder during transurethral operations. We examined for a possible dose-response relationship between glycine dose, eye symptoms and neurophysiological changes after repeated intermittent intravenous infusions of 4.4 g of glycine for up to 22 g over 1 h in 10 male volunteers. The serum glycine concentration increased from 230 +/- 75 to 5,232 +/- 1,088 mumol/l (mean +/- s.d.) during the infusions. We found an increase in diastolic arterial pressure but no significant changes in systolic pressure, heart rate or mental status. Five of the volunteers developed blurring of vision which lasted for 10-30 min. The visual evoked potentials (VEP) of these subjects showed an increase of the P100 and N70 latencies which started after no more than 4.4 g of glycine had been administered. The amplitude of the VEP was preserved and the main frequency of the EEG did not change, indicating that VEP changes were not due to cortical dysfunction. There was no dose-response relationship between glycine infusion and eye symptoms but a sub-group of volunteers responded with both visual disturbances and VEP changes.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Tubular handling of amino acids after intravenous infusion of amino acids in healthy humans.

To examine the fractional excretion of amino acids after an increase in the filtered load, and to study a possible coupling between proximal tubular reabsorption of individual amino acids and sodium/water, eleven healthy subjects were examined before and during intravenous infusion of a mixture of essential and non-essential amino acids. Thirteen healthy subjects, who received isotonic glucose instead, participated in an identical time-control study. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), and proximal and distal absolute and fractional tubular reabsorption of sodium and water (PARNa, PFRNa/water, DARNa, and DFRNa) evaluated by the lithium clearance method were determined during four clearance periods of 30 min each. After amino acid infusion, GFR and RPF increased, whereas filtration fraction (FF) was unchanged. PARNa was unchanged, but lithium clearance increased significantly (P less than 0.05) and PFRNa/water fell, indicating an increased delivery of sodium and water out of the proximal tubules. DARNa increased, but DFRNa was unchanged, thus no net increase was recorded in urinary sodium and water output. In the time-control study, no changes in kidney function were seen. Absolute excretion of amino acids increased for glutamic acid, serine, glutamine, glycine, threonine, histidine, alanine, arginine, tyrosine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, and lysine (P less than 0.01), and fractional excretion increased for all but glutamic acid, tyrosine, arginine, isoleucine, and leucine. Reabsorption of amino acids was enhanced uniformly and almost paralleled the filtered load without any sign of saturation of the reabsorption mechanisms.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorption↗

PubMed2003

Depletion of anti-Gal antibodies by the intravenous infusion of Gal type 2 and 6 glycoconjugates in baboons.

BACKGROUND: Natural anti-Gal antibodies (NAb) to Gal epitopes play a key role in the rejection of pig cells or organs transplanted into primates. We have investigated the effect on NAb return after extracorporeal immunoadsorption (EIA) of the continuous intravenous (i.v.) infusion of (i) bovine serum albumin conjugated to Gal type 6 oligosaccharides (BSA-Gal) or (ii) a poly l-lysine backbone conjugated to Gal type 2 or 6 oligosaccharides (PLL-Gal). METHODS: Porcine mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) obtained by leukapheresis from MHC-inbred miniature swine (n = 9) were infused intravenously (i.v.) into baboons: Group 1 baboons (n = 4) received whole body and thymic irradiation, splenectomy, antithymocyte globulin, cobra venom factor, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, anti-CD154mAb, porcine hematopoietic growth factors, and EIA before transplantation of high doses (2 to 4 x 1010 cells/kg) of PBPC; Group 2 baboons (n = 3) received the Group 1 regimen plus a continuous i.v. infusion of BSA-Gal for up to 30 days; Group 3 baboons (n = 5) received the Group 1 regimen plus a continuous i.v. infusion of PLL-Gal type 2 (n = 2) or both PLL-Gal types 2 and 6 (n = 3) for up to 30 days. RESULTS: Group 1: NAb returned to pre-PBPC levels within 20-30 days, but there was no induction of antibody to Gal or non-Gal determinants; Group 2: NAb was undetectable or at very low level during BSA-Gal therapy. In one baboon, however, IgG to Gal type 2, but not to type 6, returned during BSA-Gal therapy; Group 3: NAb was undetectable or at very low level during PLL-Gal therapy. In two baboons that received PLL-Gal type 2, NAb to Gal type 6, but not to type 2, returned during PLL-Gal treatment. Two of five baboons, however, developed systemic infection. Four of five baboons died within 14 days; autopsy revealed focal hemorrhagic injury to their hearts, lungs, and small intestines, with histologic abnormalities that varied between animals from hemorrhage and/or thrombosis in some organs (heart, lungs, or intestine) to signs of infections (bacteria in intestine, cytomegalovirus in liver). CONCLUSIONS: (i) BSA-Gal and PLL-Gal therapy maintained depletion of NAb. (ii) Some heterogeneity in specificity of NAb was identified, indicating that the infusion of a combination of Gal type 2 and 6 glycoconjugates may be required. (iii) The addition of PLL-Gal to the immunosuppressive regimen was associated with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality without a clear histopathologic entity underlying the cause of death.

Animals↗

PubMed1985

Effect of ileal and intravenous infusions of fat emulsions on feeding and satiety in human volunteers.

The effect of ileal infusion of a lipid emulsion, containing 50% corn oil and 3% albumen, on food intake and satiety was measured in paired experiments carried out in 6 healthy volunteers. Subjects ate for shorter periods of time during ileal infusions of fat emulsion compared with control infusions of albumen and saline (25 +/- 1 vs. 32 +/- 3 min, mean +/- SEM) and consumed a smaller amount of food (670 +/- 23 g vs. 884 +/- 89 g) and energy (1016 +/- 79 kcal vs. 1591 +/- 228 kcal). The quantity of liquid drunk and the rates of eating and drinking were not significantly affected by the infusion of fat emulsion. In a further series of experiments carried out in 5 normal volunteers, ileal infusion of corn oil emulsions delayed gastric emptying compared with ileal infusion of albumen and saline (t1/2 = 203 +/- 48 vs. 68 +/- 12 min, p less than 0.02). The possibility that the observed reductions in food intake were related to the effect of absorbed fat was investigated in 6 healthy volunteers during intravenous infusion of either fat emulsion or isosmotic saline. Food intake was not affected by intravenous infusion of lipid. Our results suggest that lipid may interact with ileal receptors to induce early satiety and reduce the amount of food consumed. The earlier inhibition of food intake during lipid infusion is perhaps best explained by early gastric distention caused by delayed gastric emptying, though the data would not exclude the release of an ileal mechanism, which has a direct action on the satiety centers.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Neuroendocrine responses to intravenous infusion of physostigmine in patients with Alzheimer disease.

We have reported that physostigmine, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, enhances verbal memory in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). To elucidate the mechanism of cognition enhancement, plasma hormones were measured during high-dose acute and low-dose chronic steady-state intravenous infusions of physostigmine in nine subjects with AD. High-dose hormone responses were measured during and for 24 h after the infusion of physostigmine 1-1.5 mg over 45-60 min. Chronic responses were measured during continuous intravenous infusions of physostigmine at doses (0.5-25 mg/day) that escalated over 2 weeks, and then during 1 week infusion of the dose that optimized cognition (2-12 mg/day) or placebo administered in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. A replicable improvement in verbal memory was found in five subjects. High-dose physostigmine infusion that produced noxious side effects resulted in significant elevation above baseline in plasma levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) (p = 0.0001), cortisol (p = 0.0001), and beta-endorphin (p = 0.0001). Chronic physostigmine administration, in the absence of adverse effects, produced no significant elevation in ACTH (p = 0.08), cortisol (p = 0.70), or beta-endorphin (p = 0.82). These results indicate that high-dose physostigmine activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, likely representing a "stress response." In contrast, cognition-enhancing doses do not produce a peripheral corticosteroid response. Thus, physostigmine-induced memory improvement is independent of the activation of the HPA axis.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed1997

Cardiopulmonary responses to intravenous infusion of soluble and relatively insoluble gases.

BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide is the current gas of choice for pneumoperitoneum, but hemodynamic and acid-base effects secondary to its systemic absorption have been reported. Various studies have suggested inert gases as alternatives. METHODS: We studied the cardiopulmonary responses to intravenous infusion of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, argon, helium, and nitrogen in anesthetized swine. The gas was infused into the femoral vein at a rate of 0.1 ml . kg-1 . min-1 for 30 min. The changes in end-tidal CO2, mean arterial pressure, hemodynamics, and arterial blood gases were compared to baseline values. RESULTS: No animals died during infusion of the soluble gases (CO2 and N2O). Three of the five pigs infused with nitrogen died suddenly at 20 and 30 min of infusion. The animals in the insoluble gas groups (Ar, He, N2) experienced clinical pulmonary gas embolism and severe acidemia, hypercapnea and tachycardia. CONCLUSIONS: Venous gas embolism is poorly tolerated when the gas is relatively insoluble. Insoluble gases should not be used for pneumoperitoneum when there is any risk of venous gas embolism.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Intravenous infusion of tridocosahexaenoyl-glycerol emulsion into rabbits. Effects on leukotriene B4/5 production and fatty acid composition of plasma and leukocytes.

Leukotriene (LT) B4 is a major chemical activator of PMN. Inhibitory effects of oral administration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on LTB4 synthesis by PMN are known. We intravenously infused tridocosahexaenoyl-glycerol (DHA-TG) emulsion into rabbits in three different doses, namely 0.8, 0.4, or 0.2 g DHA/kg, and investigated the changes in LTB4/5 production by ionophore-activated PMN. The averaged LTB4 production by PMN was significantly reduced to 57 and 59% of baseline at 6 h after the infusion of 0.8 and 0.4 g DHA/kg, respectively (P < 0.05), but not after the infusion of 0.2 g DHA/kg or 0.8 g soybean oil/kg. The combined concentrations of both DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid in the PMN phospholipid fraction were significantly increased at 6 h after the infusion of 0.8 or 0.4 g DHA/kg but not after the infusion of 0.2 g DHA/kg or 0.8 g soybean oil/kg. Oral administration of 0.8 g DHA/kg did not increase DHA or eicosapentaenoic acid in the PMN phospholipid fraction and did not decrease LTB4 production by PMN at 6 h after administration. We suggest that the infusion of 0.4-0.8 g DHA/kg might be beneficial to patients who suffer from diseases that are related to the acute elevation of LTB4 production.

Animals↗