ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
Cimetidine
;
Immunomodulation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The effect of cimetidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, on the immune system in man was investigated in 11 healthy volunteers. Cimetidine was administered orally in daily doses of 800 mg for a period of 7 days. At the end of the administration period the number of peripheral CD8+ (cytotoxic/suppressor) cells had diminished significantly (P〈0.05) along with a corresponding increase in the CD4+ (helper/inducer): CD8+ (cytotoxic/suppressor) cell ratio (P〈0.01). Compared with pretreatment values, a significant in vitro blastogenic response to mitogen stimulation with concanavalin A (P〈0.005), phytohemagglutinin (P〈0.01), and pokeweed mitogen (P〈0.05) was observed in lymphocytes of volunteers after cimetidine intake. The cell-mediated hypersensitivity as assessed by skin testing of seven recall antigens was also enhanced significantly (P〈0.001). Using Spearman's coefficient of correlation to compare mitogen-stimulation tests and skin tests of delayed hypersensitivity to the CD4+:CD8+ ratio, yielded a positive correlation (r=0.89;r=0.85, respectively). These effects were reversible 96 h after the last cimetidine dose. In contrast, leukocytes, total T lymphocytes (CD2+, CD3+), CD4+ (helper/inducer) cells, natural killer cells (Leu7+), immunoglobulins, and total complement, C3, C4 were unaffected by cimetidine administration.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01736531
Permalink
