Effect of indomethacin on human neutrophil chemiluminescence and microbicidal activity.

The action of indomethacin on the bactericidal processes and chemiluminescent activity of human neutrophils was examined. Indomethacin substantially reduced the ability of neutrophils to kill Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and impaired their ability to generate both native and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL). In contrast to these effects, indomethacin exerted an amplifying effect on lucigenin-sensitized phagocytically induced CL. The data suggests that indomethacin interferes with neutrophil myeloperoxidase-mediated CL and microbial killing, while substantially augmenting PMN superoxide-forming activity.