Studies on the anti-inflammatory properties of thalidomide: Effects on polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 11; no. 5; pp. 814 - 819
• Main Authors: Barnhill, Raymond L., James Doll, N., Millikan, Larry E., Hastings, Robert C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.11.1984; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; AIDS/HIV; Biological and medical sciences; Bones, joints and connective tissue. Antiinflammatory agents; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte - drug effects; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Medical sciences; Monocytes - drug effects; Neutrophils - drug effects; Phagocytosis - drug effects; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Thalidomide - pharmacology; Non steroidal antiinflammatory agent; Leucocyte function; Monocyte; Granulocyte; Chemiluminescence; In vitro; Biological activity; Phagocytosis
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(84)80458-2

The effects of thalidomide on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) and monocyte function were studied in vitro. Phagocytosis of latex beads by both PMNs and adherent monocytes was significantly depressed (p < 0.01) after a 1-hour incubation of cells with 10, , µg/ml of thalidomide. Concentrations of 1 µg/ml stimulated monocyte Phagocytosis (p < 0.01) but did not influence PMNs. Incubation of monocytes with 10 µg/ml resulted in a significant reduction of chemiluminescence (CL) but had no effect at 1 µ/ml concentrations. There was no significant action on PMN CL at either concentration. Finally, 10 , µg/ml concentrations of thalidomide were not cytotoxic for either cell type after 18-hour incubations. In conclusion, the results of these studies may at least partially explain the efficacy of thalidomide in some inflammatory conditions.