The effect of salicylate on human leucocyte migration

The effect of sodium salicylate, at concentrations obtained in vivo, on the random migration and chemotactic response of neutrophils and monocytes was examined. Incubation of cells in vitro increased neutrophil migration but decreased monocyte migration. However, both neutrophil and monocyte migration were significantly increased when obtained from normal individuals after ingestion of sodium salicylate. Salicylate also partly reversed the inhibition of neutrophil migration produced by aggregated immunoglobulin bound to the filter substrate. These effects of salicylate on leucocyte function may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of the drug.