Triazolobenzodiazepines exert immunopotentiating activities on normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Previous studies have demonstrated that benzodiazepines (BDZ) (e.g. diazepam) inhibit immune responsiveness. Since these drugs are largely used in psychiatric patients it is of great importance to verify the existence of different types of BDZ, which are not suppressive for the immune system. In this framework, our results indicate that alprazolam and triazolam, two triazolo-BDZ, do not modify in vitro phagocytosis and killing exerted by normal human polimorphonuclear cells and monocytes. On the contrary, they significantly enhance T lymphocyte-dependent antibacterial activity in normal donors. These data support the concept that triazolo-BDZ and, in particular, alprazolam may represent more appropriate drugs for the treatment of psychiatric patients (e.g. patients with phobic disorders and/or migraine) who display immunodeficits.