In vitro modulation of interleukin-2-mediated human peripheral mononuclear cell proliferation and antitumor cytotoxicity by 5-fluorouracil.
BACKGROUND
Studies on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have shown inhibitory effects of anticancer drugs on certain immune activities.


METHODS
The in vitro effect of 5-(FU) fluorouracil was studied on both lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell antitumor cytotoxicity following incubation of peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors with interleukin (IL)-2, phytohemagglutinin A (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM).


RESULTS
Activation of PBMCs with IL-2, PHA and PWM in the presence of 250 and 2500 microM of 5-FU caused a marked decrease in both the induction of activated natural killer (ANK) cell cytotoxic activity and DNA synthesis, while 2.5 microM increased DNA synthesis by 195%, 58% and 222% for IL-2, PHA and PWM, respectively, more than cells cultured without the drug. No effect of 5-FU was noted on mature ANK cells.


CONCLUSIONS
5-FU exhibits diverse effects on lymphocyte proliferation and on the generation of ANK antitumor cytotoxic activity.
Brazowski
Eli
E
Department of Pathology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel 64239.
Eytan
Karin
K
Eisenthal
Avi
A
D048708:Cell Growth Processes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology
D007376:Interleukin-2; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D004247:DNA; D005472:Fluorouracil