Inhibition of CD44, CD45 and LFA-3 mediated cytokine release from human monocytes by SK&F 86002 and pentoxifylline.

Compounds from two distinct pharmacological classes namely, SK&F 86002 and pentoxifylline, were examined for their effects on TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release by human monocytes stimulated with LPS or monoclonal antibodies to three cell surface glycoproteins, CD44, CD45 and LFA-3 (LFA-3 is also known as CD58). SK&F 86002, an inhibitor of 5-LO and CO in arachidonic acid metabolism, inhibited LPS-induced release of TNF alpha and IL-1 beta with an IC50 of 1 microM. At this dose, it also inhibited by > 50%, release of both cytokines induced by the three monoclonal antibodies. Pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative with phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity, selectively inhibited LPS-induced TNF alpha release with an IC50 of 100 microM. TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release mediated by the monoclonal antibodies were inhibited by less than 30% in the presence of 100 microM pentoxifylline. These results suggest that (a) LPS induced cytokine release shares a common step with the physiologically relevant stimuli (involving cross-linking of cell surface receptors), and that this pathway is sensitive to inhibition by SK&F 86002 and, (b) SK&F 86002 is more potent than pentoxifylline in inhibiting TNF alpha and IL-1 beta release induced by both stimuli.