Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects of the novel agent gamma-(2-aminoethylamino)-2-butyrothienone. 3rd communication: effect on suppressor cells and cytokines production in normal and adjuvant arthritic rats.

The novel agent gamma-(2-aminoethylamino-2-butyrothienone (gamma-ABT) has been found to suppress adjuvant induced disease (AID). To explore the mechanism of action of gamma-ABT in AID, the effects of gamma-ABT on suppressor cells, found in AID, and on interleukin production were evaluated. gamma-ABT did not affect the concavalin A (Con A) responses of AID splenocytes when the suppressor plastic-glass and glass-only-adherent cells were removed. gamma-ABT affected the Con A responses of glass-adherent cells indicating that this agent is selectively affecting the glass-adherent suppressor cells. Interleukins 1 and 2 production is augmented by gamma-ABT in normal and AID rats. Since IL-1 abrogated the suppressive effect of glass-adherent suppressor cells, it is suggested that the inhibition of IL-1 mediated events of suppressor cells may be one of the mechanisms of action of gamma ABT in AID. The relevance of the present results to a latent virus etiology of AID is discussed.