[Mode of action of sulfasalazine in chronic inflammatory enterocolonic diseases]

We have investigated the mode of action of the sulphasalazine in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's ileitis. We point out: a) the activity of sulphasalazine and its derivative, 5-aminosalicylic acid in prostaglandin's metabolites pathway, by inhibition of lipoxygenase; b) a moderate activity on the cell-mediated immunity by weak inhibition of natural killer activity; c) the 5-amino salicylic acid is effective strongly like a radical scavenger.