The effect of Eglin C on the function of human neutrophils in vitro |
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Authors: | S Suter I Chevallier |
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Affiliation: | Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Geneva. |
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Abstract: | Eglin C is an inhibitor of polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G. Recently, it was suggested that Eglin C may inhibit bacterial clearance in an experimental animal model of pneumonia. Since the phagocytic-bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes is most important in the promotion of bacterial clearance, we determined the effect of Eglin C on a variety of functions of isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes such as phagocytic-bactericidal activity, superoxide production, degranulation and chemotaxis. Apart from a partial inhibition of superoxide production, which was shown to be due to a superoxide dismutase-like effect of Eglin C, there was no inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions measured. Eglin C can therefore be considered as a protease inhibitor, which does not interfere with the phagocytic-bactericidal activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. |
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