Effects of dapsone on passive Arthus reaction and chemotaxis and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The effects of dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone) on the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function and on the elicitation of the passive Arthus reaction were investigated in rabbits and guinea-pigs. NBT-reduction was markedly enhanced in PMNL of animal receiving 5 mg dapsone/kg for 3 days, whereas chemotaxis and phagocytosis were not influenced. Passive Arthus reaction was clearly suppressed by the same treatment regimen. 2 mg/kg of the drug had no effect on the parameters examined.