Influence of immunosuppressive drugs on activity of lymph node permeability factor (LNPF)

The influence of selected immunosuppressive drugs on development of local inflammation induced by injection of LNPF in rats was studied. The factor was obtained from guinea pig lymph nodes stimulated with Freund's complete adjuvant. The cell-free extract was obtained by disintegrating the cells, dialysis and lyophilization of the material. Preventive action of the drugs was dose-related. Strongest protection against the effect of LNPF was observed after administration of 6-MP and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kh). Methotrexate (20 mg/kg) caused a reduction of the surface area of the inflammatory reaction by 70-90%, and 5-fluorouracil (50 mg/kg) by 35%-60%. Specific heterologous anti-LNPF serum was the most effective protective agent in rats; administered before the test, it prevented appearance of an inflammatory reaction altogether.