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Effect of antipyretics on polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions in children

Umran Soyoğul Gürer1, Ayşe Palanduz, Burçak Gürbüz

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Marmara, Istanbul, Turkey. umran.gurer@veezy.com

International Immunopharmacology
|November 16, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Fever and common antipyretic drugs do not suppress human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions. Studies show these drugs can even enhance PMN phagocytic and intracellular killing activities in vitro.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Fever is a common symptom, and antipyretic drugs are widely used.
  • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are crucial for innate immunity.
  • The impact of fever and antipyretics on PMN function requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of fever and common antipyretic drugs on human PMN phagocytic and intracellular killing activities.
  • To determine if antipyretic medications adversely affect immune cell function.

Main Methods:

  • Isolated PMNs from febrile and healthy children.
  • Assayed phagocytic activity via yeast cell ingestion.
  • Tested in vitro effects of acetaminophen, metamizole sodium, nimesulide, and ibuprofen on PMN functions.

Main Results:

  • PMNs from febrile children showed enhanced phagocytosis with ibuprofen.
  • Phagocytic activity increased with acetaminophen, metamizole sodium, or nimesulide in non-febrile children.
  • Intracellular killing activity improved with ibuprofen or metamizole sodium in non-febrile children.

Conclusions:

  • Antipyretic drugs, at safe concentrations, do not suppress PMN function in vitro.
  • Some antipyretics may enhance PMN activity in certain contexts.

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