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Enhanced neutrophil function in children on bromide therapy.
R W Steele1, R C Woody, R W Steele
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Bromide therapy in children enhances neutrophil function, boosting bacterial killing. Higher bromide levels initially increase, then decrease, this immune response, suggesting a therapeutic window for optimal host defense.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neutrophil bacterial killing involves toxic halide complex formation.
- Bromide (Br-) is used in anticonvulsant therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neutrophil function in children undergoing bromide therapy.
- To determine the relationship between serum bromide concentrations and neutrophil activity.
Main Methods:
- Collected whole blood and serum from 7 patients on bromide elixir.
- Measured neutrophil function using luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence (CL).
- Determined serum bromide concentrations ([Br-]).
Main Results:
- A direct correlation (r=0.87) was observed between [Br-] and neutrophil CL activity.
- Peak CL responses were higher than controls within the therapeutic [Br-] range (10-20 mM).
- In vitro addition of Br- to control neutrophils dose-dependently enhanced CL activity, with optimal enhancement at 30 mM.
Conclusions:
- Bromide ions enhance neutrophil phagocytic and bactericidal activity.
- Bromide therapy may potentially augment host defense capabilities against bacterial infections.