Monocyte Chemotaxis under Agarose: Defects in Atopic Disease, Aspirin Therapy, and Mucocutaneous Candidiasis

Abstract

SummaryUsing Ficoll-Hypaque-separated cells, monocyte chemotaxis was measured by an agarose technique in patients with increased susceptibility to infection, with atopic dermatitis, and in individuals taking aspirin. I n vitro effects of aspirin, hydrocortisone, aminophylline, ephedrine, and diphenhydramine were also studied. Significantly decreased chemotaxis was found in one 9-year-boy with severe mucocutaneous candidiasis and three of 22 patients with atopic dermatitis. In the atopic group of patients greater than 10 years of age, mean monocyte chemotaxis was significantly decreased from the age-matched control group. This decrease did not correlate with serum IgE levels, absolute blood eosinophil counts, or clinical symptom scores. Following aspirin ingestion, mean monocyte chemotaxis significantly decreased whereas neutrophil chemotaxis was unaffected. Using therapeutic concentrations, drug levels of aspirin and aminophylline in vitro caused greater than 35% inhibition of monocyte movement.

Aspirin and immune system

“…In a 3D human coronary model of leukocyte attack (3DLA model), local concentration (5 mM) of ASA inhibited monocyte chemotaxis in vitro by 90% [60]. Similarly, a 35% inhibition of monocyte movement (chemotaxis) at therapeutic concentrations of ASA was also interpreted in vitro in a prior study [61].…”

Effect of Azelastine Hydrochloride on Macrophage Chemotaxis and Phagocytosis in Vitro

“…Bore1 & Feurer (4) showed that phenylbutazone and sodium salicylate suppressed rabbit macrophage chemotaxis while they had little effect on neutrophil chemotaxis. Fisher et al (6) noted the inhibition of human macrophage chemotaxis by aspirin, whereas neutrophil chemotaxis was unaffected. The mechanism of such chemotaxis inhibition by these agents remains to be ascertained.…”

Theophylline therapy inhibits neutrophil and mononuclear cell chemotaxis from chronic asthmatic children.

“…Individuals with atopic diseases such as eczema or bronchial asthma have defective cell mediated immunity (Buckley, 1988;Gazanshaffi et al, 1976;Grove et al, 1975) and impairment of neutrophil and mononuclear cell functions, which may result in a greater incidence of bacterial infections (Hill & Quie, 1974;Hill et al, 1976a,b;Cairo-Cueto et al, 1981;Chikazawa et al, 1984;Ternowitz & Herlin, 1986). Although theophylline is commonly used to relieve symptoms of chronic asthmatic patients, its inhibitory effects on the immunologic system have been demonstrated only recently (Bourne et al, 1971;Fisher et al, 1980;Scordamaglia et al, 1988). Since neutrophil and mononuclear cell activation are associated with late phase asthmatic reactions, effects of theophylline on these cells may be of importance.…”