Influence of anti-inflammatory drugs on the interaction of lymphocytes and macrophages.
The helper function of macrophages in lymphocyte stimulation is well known, but there are indications that macrophages may also exert a suppressor effect on lymphocytes. This effect might be due to prostaglandins secreted by the macrophages. In order to test this hypothesis anti-inflammatory drugs, some of which are known inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis, were added to a series of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocyte cultures containing different proportions of macrophages and lymphocytes. The experiments showed that high concentrations of all drugs were inhibitory. Moderate concentrations of some of the PG-synthesis-inhibiting drugs (like indomethacin and mefenamic acid), however, appeared to have a stimulatory effect. The stimulation was more pronounced in cultures containing a high proportion of macrophages. These results support the assumption that macrophages release prostaglandins, which suppress PHA-induced lymphocyte proliferation.
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000187:drug effects*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000378:metabolism
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D011453:Prostaglandins