Molecular Immunology
Volume 53, Issue 3, March 2013, Pages 173?178
Sonemany Salinthonea, b,
Amelia R. Kernsa,
Vivian Tsanga,
Daniel W. Carra, c
α-Tocopherol (vitamin E) stimulates cyclic AMP production in human peripheral mononuclear cells and alters immune function
Abstract
α-Tocopherol, the most biologically active member of the vitamin E family of fat soluble compounds, exhibits both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Here, we show that, unlike other antioxidants, α-tocopherol stimulates the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Inhibitor studies demonstrate that the prostaglandin EP2 and EP4 receptors and adenylyl cyclases mediate the effects of α-tocopherol on cAMP production. Additionally, we show that α-tocopherol attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production. This study provides novel evidence that α-tocopherol stimulates cAMP signaling, suggesting a mechanism of action for the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin E.
