Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 80 (1), 33-40 (1999)


The Effect of Mesoporphyrin on the Production of Cytokines by Inflammatory Cells In Vitro

Yuko Takaoka, Satoko Matsuura, Keiko Boda and Hiroichi Nagai


Department of Pharmacology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Mitahorahigashi, Gifu 502-8585, Japan

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate a mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action of mesoporphyrin, especially the effect on the production of cytokines by some cultured inflammatory cells. Mesoporphyrin had no effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by RAW 264.7 cells (murine macrophage-like cells). Mesoporphyrin inhibited interferon-gamma production by 1E10.H2 cells (murine T helper-1 cells), but not interleukin-4 production by D10.G4.1 cells (murine T helper-2 cells). Mesoporphyrin inhibited interleukin-6 production by human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. This inhibition of interleukin-6 production is closely related to the suppression of prostaglandin E2 generation by interfering cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 enzyme activities. These data suggest that the inhibition of cytokine production is one of the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of mesoporphyrin.

Keywords: Mesoporphyrin, Interferon-gamma, Cyclooxygenase activity


Copyright© The Japanese Pharmacological Society 1999

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