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The inactivation of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Inflammation
|June 1, 1984
PubMed

Insights

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors like piroxicam and ibuprofen affect human neutrophil functions. Piroxicam significantly inhibited both aggregation and superoxide anion generation in vivo, while ibuprofen primarily impacted aggregation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Human neutrophils (PMNs) exhibit aggregation, superoxide anion (O2-) generation, and lysosomal enzyme secretion upon activation.
  • Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors are known to modulate inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of COX inhibitors piroxicam and ibuprofen on human neutrophil activation.
  • To determine the impact of these inhibitors on FMLP-induced neutrophil aggregation and O2- generation.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies involved pre-incubating PMNs with piroxicam or ibuprofen before stimulation with f-met-leu-phe (FMLP), concanavalin A (Con-A), or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA).
  • In vivo studies assessed neutrophil aggregation and O2- generation in normal subjects after administration of therapeutic doses of piroxicam, ibuprofen, or indomethacin.

Main Results:

  • In vitro, piroxicam inhibited all FMLP-induced PMN responses, while ibuprofen affected aggregation and lysozyme secretion but not O2- generation.
  • In vivo, piroxicam significantly inhibited both FMLP-induced neutrophil aggregation (31%) and O2- generation (35%).
  • Ibuprofen and indomethacin inhibited FMLP-induced aggregation but had no significant effect on O2- generation.

Conclusions:

  • Piroxicam demonstrates a broad inhibitory effect on key human neutrophil functions, including both aggregation and O2- generation, in vivo.
  • Ibuprofen and indomethacin primarily impact neutrophil aggregation, with limited effects on O2- production, suggesting differential mechanisms of action.

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