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Effect of ketorolac on phagocytosis of Candida albicans by peritoneal macrophages
E B Fraser-Smith1, T R Matthews
1Syntex Research, Department of Antimicrobial Research, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Abstract:
The effect of ketorolac tromethamine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, on normal phagocytosis has been studied. When peritoneal macrophages, taken from mice treated intraperitoneally 4 times daily for 7 days with 2 mg ketorolac per day, were cultured ex vivo or when untreated macrophages were cultured with 1-10 microM of ketorolac in vitro, the number of engulfed Candida albicans was no different from saline-treated or untreated controls. In contrast, macrophages from mice treated intraperitoneally 4 times daily for 7 days with 0.4 mg dexamethasone per day or cultured with 1-10 microM dexamethasone had a greater than or equal to 54% reduction in phagocytosis (p less than 0.001). Thus, ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which does not inhibit the phagocytic activity of murine mononuclear phagocytes.
Insights
Ketorolac tromethamine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, does not affect phagocytosis in mouse immune cells. Unlike dexamethasone, ketorolac did not inhibit the ability of macrophages to engulf Candida albicans.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Phagocytosis is a critical immune process mediated by mononuclear phagocytes.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used, but their effects on immune cell function require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ketorolac tromethamine, an NSAID, on the phagocytic activity of murine macrophages.
- To compare the effects of ketorolac with dexamethasone, a known immunosuppressant, on phagocytosis.
Main Methods:
- Murine peritoneal macrophages were treated with ketorolac tromethamine or dexamethasone, either in vivo or in vitro.
- Phagocytic activity was assessed by quantifying the engulfment of Candida albicans by macrophages.
Main Results:
- Ketorolac tromethamine did not significantly alter the phagocytic activity of macrophages compared to control groups.
- Dexamethasone treatment resulted in a significant reduction (≥54%) in macrophage phagocytosis (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Ketorolac tromethamine does not inhibit the phagocytic function of murine mononuclear phagocytes.
- Ketorolac represents a safer NSAID option concerning potential immunosuppressive effects on phagocytosis compared to dexamethasone.