Effect of single oral dose of phenobarbitone on lymphocyte blastogenic response in man

A single oral dose of phenobarbitone 1.5 mg kg-1 was given to 18 normal subjects to evaluate the effects on lymphocyte function. Serum barbiturate concentrations and lymphocyte blastogenic response to three mitogens (PHA, Con A, PWM) were tested before and at 2, 12 and 36 h after drug administration. A serum barbiturate plateau of about 2 microgram ml-1 was maintained from 2 to 36 h. Lymphocyte blastogenesis was reduced with barbiturate compared with controls. However, the reduction was significant only at 36 h (P < 0.01).