Open AccessEffects of Azelastine on Neutrophil Chemotaxis, Phagocytosis and Oxygen Radical Generation.
Author(s) -
Hirohiko Akamatsu,
Yoshiki Miyachi,
Yasuo Asada,
Yukie Niwa
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
japanese journal of pharmacology/japanese journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1347-3506
pISSN - 0021-5198
DOI - 10.1254/jjp.57.583
Subject(s) - phagocytosis , superoxide , chemotaxis , chemistry , xanthine oxidase , reactive oxygen species , azelastine , hydrogen peroxide , respiratory burst , granulocyte , pharmacology , biochemistry , immunology , biology , enzyme , receptor
The effects of azelastine, an orally active anti-allergic drug, on several inflammatory parameters of human neutrophils, including human neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), was examined. ROS generated in a cell-free, xanthine-xanthine oxidase system was also assessed. The species investigated were superoxide radical anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radical (OH.). Azelastine significantly inhibited human neutrophil phagocytosis and the generation of O2-, H2O2, OH. by human neutrophils. However, the drug did not markedly affect human neutrophil chemotaxis or the ROS levels generated in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. The present study indicates that azelastine may exert an anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting human neutrophil phagocytosis as well as oxygen radical generation at the sites of inflammation.