[Age-dependent effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents on the phagocytic activity of leukocytes in mice]

In experiments on mice of five different age groups (representing important stages of ontogenetic development) the phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in peripheral blood was studied after short-term administration of phenylbutazone, indomethacin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac sodium. In six-week-old mice (period of sexual maturation) administration of phenylbutazone and indomethacin resulted in statistically significant increase of phagocytic activity. After administration of phenylbutazone to 18-month-old mice (old), phagocytic activity was reduced. In the groups of 3-week-old and 3- and 12-month-old mice phenylbutazone and indomethacin did not significantly affect phagocytic activity. Administration of ibuprofen resulted in statistically significant decrease of phagocytic activity of leukocytes in three age groups, i.e. in 3-week-, 6-week- and 18-month-old rats. In the other two age groups ibuprofen failed to be effective. No effect of diclofenac sodium on phagocytic activity of leukocytes could be established in comparison with the control group of mice in any of the age groups studied. The finding that phagocytic activity of leukocytes can be diminished even after short-term administration of ibuprofen is considered important, since it is currently one of the most frequently used anti-inflammatory drugs.