[Ammonium bituminosulfonate (Ichthyol). Anti-inflammatory effect and inhibition of the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme]

Ammonium bituminosulphonate (Ichthyol) inhibits 5-lipoxygenase activity in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The inhibition is dose-dependent and occurs at non-cytotoxic concentrations of the drug. This results in a decreased release of Leukotriene B4 from polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Furthermore, when applied to the ear skin of AB/Bln mice pretreated with croton oil, Ichthyol reduces the inflammatory reaction.