Effect of quercetin supplementation on lung antioxidants after experimental influenza virus infection

In the mice, instillation of influenza virus A/ Udorn/317/72(H3N2) intranasally resulted in a significant decrease in the pulmonary concentrations of calalase, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. There was a decrease in vitamin E level also. These effects were observed on the 5th day after viral instillation. Oral supplementation with quercetin simultaneous with viral instillation produced significant increases in the pulmonary concentrations of catalase, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. However quercetin did not reverse the fall, in vitamin E level associated with the viral infection. It is concluded that during influenza virus infection, there is 'oxidative stress. 'Because quercelin restored the concentrations of many antioxidants, it is proposed that it may be useful as a drug in protecting the lung from the deleterious effect's of oxygen derived free radicals released during influenza virus infection.