Effect of Dazmegrel (UK-38,485) on immune function in a burned guinea-pig model

We investigated the effects of Dazmegrel, a highly effective and selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, on the immune system in a bilateral 5 per cent total body surface area (TBSA) deep partial thickness scald in a guinea-pig model. The animals were randomized into two groups: one received Dazmegrel at 3.4 mg kg-1 day-1 by i.m. injection; the other received the same volume of saline. Cell-mediated immunity was evaluated by the response to the hapten dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), as measured by ear swelling in response to cutaneous application. The ear swelling of the Dazmegrel-treated group was 52.8 +/- 3.8 per cent, compared to 41.4 +/- 2.4 per cent for the control group (P less than 0.02). Neutrophil bactericidal function was determined on post-burn day (PBD) 7 and opsonic function on both post-burns days 7 and 22. The serum opsonic indices were nearly identical at both times, but the Dazmegrel-treated animals had a significantly improved neutrophil bactericidal index (1.15 +/- 0.05 v. 1.68 +/- 0.17, P less than 0.01). Dazmegrel exerted a stimulating effect on the immune system in this burn model, improving neutrophil antibacterial function and cell-mediated immunity.