Stimulatory and protective effects of alkylating agents applied in ultra-low concentrations

Pharmacology. 2001;62(3):129-32. doi: 10.1159/000056084.

Abstract

Alkylating drugs belonging to the nitrogen mustard family are known as cytostatic and immunosuppressive agents. Ultra-low doses of these drugs may demonstrate pharmacological effects unlike this category of drugs. In the case of a gradual dose decrease, the number of targets for alkylation is also reduced and the drug switches from cytostatic to cell growth modifier. We postulate that application of ultra-low doses of alkylating drugs may result in a beneficial effect in the therapy of diseases associated with chronic inflammation of the mucosa, especially with the signs of epithelial atrophy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alkylating Agents / administration & dosage
  • Alkylating Agents / metabolism
  • Alkylating Agents / pharmacology*
  • Alkylating Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / metabolism
  • fas Receptor / metabolism

Substances

  • Alkylating Agents
  • FASLG protein, human
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • fas Receptor