Paradoxical effects of LS-2616 (Linomide) treatment in the type II collagen arthritis model in mice.

The quinoline-3-carboxamide, Linomide, has been shown to possess potent immunomodulatory activity. We have evaluated the effect of Linomide in the type II collagen induced arthritis in mice. Treatment with Linomide (1.25-80 mg/kg/day) from the day of immunization strongly suppressed the arthritic response. On the other hand, initiation of treatment (20-80 mg/kg/day) at the onset of arthritis resulted in an increased severity of the arthritis. These potent and contradictory effects of Linomide, depending on treatment regime, indicates that central immuno-regulatory functions are affected and that this compound may be a useful tool for the understanding of autoimmune mechanisms.