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Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
Published on: June 30, 2013
The immunopotentiator effects of nefopam
Adel A Gomaa1, Saida A Aly, Mohamed S Badary
1Department of Parmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. a.gomma@aun.edu.eg
International Immunopharmacology
|December 21, 2006
Summary
Nefopam, a non-opiate analgesic, was found to stimulate immune functions in mice. It enhanced interferon-gamma and immunoglobulin production and boosted macrophage phagocytic activity, suggesting therapeutic potential for immune enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opiate analgesics and NSAIDs impact immune functions.
- The immunomodulatory effects of nefopam, a non-opiate analgesic, remain uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of nefopam on immune functions in mice.
- To assess nefopam's impact on interferon-gamma, total immunoglobulin levels, and macrophage phagocytic activity.
Main Methods:
- Male Swiss albino mice were immunized with heat-killed E. coli or saline.
- Mice received subacute or chronic administration of nefopam.
- Interferon-gamma, total immunoglobulin levels, and macrophage phagocytic activity were measured.
Main Results:
- Nefopam did not significantly alter baseline interferon-gamma or immunoglobulin levels.
- Nefopam markedly augmented immunization-induced interferon-gamma and immunoglobulin production.
- Chronic nefopam administration significantly enhanced macrophage phagocytic activity in both normal and immunized mice.
Conclusions:
- Nefopam stimulates immune functions and enhances defense mechanisms.
- Nefopam may trigger immune responses to bacterial antigens.
- Potential therapeutic value in conditions requiring immunologic enhancement.
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