Indomethacin modulates plasma membrane-associated properties of macrophages.

Changes in the plasma membrane of macrophages treated with indomethacin were investigated. A significant decrease in the binding of IgG was observed with indomethacin-treated cells, as compared to the control group. Electron microscopic examination did not show any significant morphological differences between the indomethacin treated macrophages and the controls. It was found, however, that indomethacin treatment resulted in a drastic increase in the binding capacity of the cell membrane to cationized ferritin. It is suggested that indomethacin may have a modulating effect on the macrophage plasma membrane.