Phagocytosis suppression

Szabo, I.et al., Suppression of peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis of Candida albicans by opioids, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 267, 703, 1993. 

Effects of TCDD on macrophages have also been examined. When assessed ex vivo, macrophage functions such as tumor cell lysis, phagocytosis and oxidative burst were not suppressed by exposure to TCDD.9396 101 In other experimental systems, exposure to TCDD increases IL-1 and TNF production by macrophages.99 102 103 However, the ability of TCDD to alter IL-1 and TNF production is likely organ- or stimulus-specific, because in the context of respiratory viral infection, exposure to TCDD had no effect on IL-1 or TNF-a levels.80... 

Mechanism of Action An adrenocortical steroid that inhibits the accumulation of inflammatory cells at inflammation sites, phagocytosis, lysosomal enzyme release and synthesis, and release of mediators of inflammation. Therapeutic Effect Prevents or suppresses cell-mediated immune reactions. Decreases or prevents tissue response to inflammatory process. 

With long-term treatment, IgG subclass deficiencies can become marked (312). There is suppression of the antigen-antibody reaction, and since this reaction itself normally results in liberation of kinins, the latter is also suppressed. Failure of kinin liberation leads in turn to inhibition of invasion of sensitized leukocytes and reduced production and maturation of phagocytes. Undoubtedly, it is true that using minimal effective doses will avoid the most serious consequences, but the problem cannot be fully circumvented, since the antiinflammatory effects themselves involve some inhibition of the migration of leukocytes and phagocytosis. 

Akamatsu, H., Komura, J., Miyachi, Y., Asada, Y., and Niwa, Y., Suppressive effects of linoleic acid on neutrophil oxygen metabolism and phagocytosis, J. Invest. Dermatol., 95, 271, 1990. 

Correct answer - C. Gold salts may not provide clinical improvement until after several weeks of administration. They are thought to suppress phagocytosis and lysosomal enzyme activity in macrophages. Gold salts are used in rheumatoid arthritis that does not respond to NSAIDs. Auranofin can be taken by mouth. 

Vernon-Roberts B, Jessop JD, Dore J. Effects of gold salts and prednisolone on inflammatory cells. II. Suppression of inflammation and phagocytosis in the rat. Ann Rheum Dis 1973 32 301-307. 

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