[Effects of the glucoprotein component of musk on functions of rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes activated by LTB4 in vitro].

To investigate the effects of musk-1, a glucoprotein component isolated from the water extract of musk, on some functions of rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes activated by LTB4, an in vitro incubation system with rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes was used. The superoxide anion production was determined by cytochrome C reduction, and the beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme release was quantitated by enzyme reactions in which phenolphthaleinglucuronic acid and micrococcus lysodeikticus were used as the substrates. In comparison with the control, musk-1 at final concentrations of 1 microgram/ml-100 micrograms/ml can increase the superoxide anion production by 28.7%-202.1% and decrease the beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme release by 3%-46% and 6%-32% respectively in rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It is concluded that musk-1 can significantly affect the functions of rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes activated by LTB4. One of the mechanisms of this anti-inflammatory action of musk may consist in the inhibition of lysosomal enzyme release.