Effect of Antioxidants and Nitric Oxide on Activity of Peritoneal Macrophages in Albino Rats during Normal Pregnancy

We compared activity of peritoneal macrophages in rats during normal pregnancy and under the action of NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME, of E. coli LPS , SOD, and α-tocopherol analogue trolox. In non-pregnant rats, E. coli LPS stimulated peritoneal macrophages, while L-NAME produced a dose-dependent effect. During pregnancy, E. coli LPS activated phagocytosis, while antioxidants trolox, SOD, and L-NAME produced an inhibitory effect.