Anti-inflammatory Activity of d-α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Linoleic Acid

Abstract

CELLULAR membranes, especially those of lysosomes, become unstable in a variety of conditions—reviewed by Thomas—for example, the Arthus and Schwartzman reactions; exposure to streptolysin, ultraviolet light and carbon tetrachloride; and the muscular dystrophy of tocopherol deficiency¹. Cortisone is inhibitory in most of these conditions, and has been shown to have antioxidant properties², so we thought that other antioxidants might be effective anti-inflammatory agents. Lysosomal membranes, as well as other membranes, are composed largely of lipids and we also thought that their lysis could result from damage to such structural lipids. This idea is supported by work of Austin and Brocklehurst³, showing that the release of histamine and slow reacting substances (SRS-A) from sensitized guinea-pig lung is inhibited by long chain fatty acids. Accordingly d-α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and linoleic acid were tested as anti-inflammatory agents and found to be effective.