Studies on the effect of intralipid on human monocyte functions in vitro

Intralipid (IL) particles were ingested by human monocytes in culture. These particles remained within the cells for periods of up to 3 weeks in culture. The presence of IL particles did not alter the normal secretion of lysozyme or prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), nor was the normal process of biochemical activation altered, as evidenced by the expected increase in PGE₂ secretion and superoxide anion production by stimulated monocytes. Phagocytosis of zymosan particles was increased in monocytes that had ingested IL. These results indicate that in this in vitro system essential monocyte functions were not altered following ingestion of IL.