In vitro modulatory effect of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (EPA and DHA) on phagocytosis and ROS production of goat neutrophils

An in vitro study was carried out to examine the influence of two fish-oil-derived long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on goat polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Twelve Saanen healthy goats were used as blood donors. Neutrophils were isolated from blood and incubated with increasing concentration of EPA and DHA (25, 50, 100, 200muM). Control samples were incubated in the absence of omega-3 PUFAs. Phagocytosis was evaluated by fluorescein-labeled Escherichia coli incorporation, while extracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production was determined by cytochrome c reduction assay, which was selected among the others due to its specificity for extracellular superoxide anion release. Phagocytic activity was significantly increased by EPA (P