Alternative methods to animal experimentation lead to the discovery of a novel inflammation factor.

Simple testing models have been developed for the evaluation of chemical or biological compounds that influence the activity of leukocytes. Human blood neutrophil leukocytes are used. They are stimulated in various ways, and the effects of test compounds on the release of enzymes, the generation of oxygen radicals and cell damage are quantified. All assays are performed in microtiter plates and the responses are evaluated by multi-well photometry or fluorimetry. The models are apt to detect compounds acting on leukocytes as stimuli, inhibitors, and response modifiers. The use of these methods led to the discovery of a novel inflammatory peptide, NAP-1, which activates neutrophil leukocytes. NAP-1 consists of 72 amino acids and is generated by a variety of tissue cells.