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Benzodiazepines and their solvents influence neutrophil granulocyte function
1Department of Anaesthesia, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Diazepam and midazolam, common sedatives, suppress polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) chemiluminescence. The drug-free solvents showed varied effects, with one formulation enhancing PMN activity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Benzodiazepines like diazepam and midazolam are widely used for sedation.
- Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) play a crucial role in the innate immune response.
- Chemiluminescence assays are used to measure the oxidative activity of PMNs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of diazepam and midazolam, including their formulations and solvents, on PMN chemiluminescence.
- To compare the impact of these drugs on PMN activity induced by different stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Commercially available preparations of diazepam (Valium, Diazepam-Lipuro) and midazolam (Dormicum) were tested.
- PMN chemiluminescence was induced using N-formylmethionyl-leucylphenylalanine (FMLP) and zymosan.
- A cell-free chemiluminescence system was also employed.
Main Results:
- Diazepam and its solvent in Valium suppressed PMN chemiluminescence.
- Diazepam-Lipuro's solvent stimulated, while diazepam inhibited, PMN chemiluminescence.
- Midazolam solely depressed PMN chemiluminescence.
- FMLP-induced chemiluminescence was more significantly depressed by diazepam and midazolam than zymosan-induced chemiluminescence.
Conclusions:
- Diazepam and midazolam generally inhibit PMN chemiluminescence, with varying effects depending on the formulation and solvent.
- The inhibitory effect is more pronounced with FMLP stimulation compared to zymosan.
- These findings suggest potential immunomodulatory effects of these commonly used sedatives.