In vitro effect of isotretinoin on monocyte chemotaxis.

The effect of isotretinoin on the chemotaxis of human monocytes was studied in an in vitro system using a Nucleopore chamber. The chemoattractant used was zymosan-activated serum. Inhibition of monocyte chemotaxis was achieved with isotretinoin in concentrations of 1 X 10(-3) M and 5 X 10(-4) M. It is felt that the improvement seen in patients with inflammatory skin diseases such as cystic acne and acne conglobata who are treated with isotretinoin may in part be a result of this anti-inflammatory action.