Effect of Phenytoin on the Immune Response in Rabbits

Abstract

Rabbits treated with phenytoin in various ways, were immunized with human serum or with sheep erythrocytes. The antibody response in rabbits injected with the antigen mixed with phenytoin differed distinctly from the response obtained in animals having received the antigen alone or mixed with diluent. The effect of phenytoin on the antibody response depended on the nature of the antigen. The response to some antigens was suppressed, to some potentiated, and to some potentiated in the early phase and then suppressed. The effect comprised both IgM and IgG responses. Skin hypersensitivity tests did not reveal any effect on the cellular immune response. These findings may explain why particularly IgA is affected in patients taking phenytoin by the oral route, and why either reduction or elevation of IgA may occur.

Cytomegalovirus antibodies in epileptics receiving diphenylhydantoin

“…In mice treated with DPH the number of plaque-forming cells was reduced ( Levo et al 1975), whereas the antibody response in DPH-treated rabbits could be both suppressed and potentiated (Fossan 1977). In agreement with this we have previously found elevated incidences of IgM antibodies to several E. coli serotypes in DPH-treated epileptics; the incidence of IgM E. coli antibodies was slightly higher in epileptics with elevated than in those with normal serum IgM values (Andersen er a / .…”

“…In mice treated with DPH the number of plaque-forming cells was reduced ( Levo et al 1975), whereas the antibody response in DPH-treated rabbits could be both suppressed and potentiated (Fossan 1977 (Sorrell et al 1971, Slavin et al 1974) serum IgG levels have been reported after DPH therapy. Aarli (1976) suggested that these discrepancies could be explained by the duration of treatment.…”

“…1981). Animal experiments showed that DPH treatment could both potentiate and suppress the antibody response ( Levo et al 1975, Fossan 1977 and that the modified response apparently depended on the nature of the antigen (Fossan 1977). This might also explain the discrepancies in humans treated with DPH.…”

Effect of Phenytoin on Antibody Production: Use of a Murine Model

“…Animals have been used to study valproate-induced hepatotoxicity (Turnbull et a]., 1983;Becker and Harris, 1983) and phenytoin-associated teratogenesis (Hicks et al, 1983). Few animal studies, however, have investigated the effects of antiepileptic drugs on immune function (Gerber and Arnold, 1969;Kruger, 1970;Kruger et al, 1972;Lev0 et al, 1975;Fossan, 1977). The present report describes the effect of phenytoin on specific antibody production in the mouse.…”

Carbamazepine: Effect on IgG Subclasses in Epileptic Patients

“…Several aberrations in the humoral immune system have been reported in epileptic patients. Prospective studies of patients and experimental animals have shown that CBZ as well as other antiepileptic drugs can induce a decreased humoral immune response (Aarli and Tonder, 1975;Sorrel1 and Forbes, 1975;Fossan, 1977;Gilhus et al, 1982~;Bardana et al, 1983). However, the state of epilepsy or the underlying brain disorder may predispose for aberrations in the immune system.…”