Abstract
The bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, tetrandrine, was shown to affect some important human monocyte functions. The drug caused significant inhibition of random movement, chemotaxis, superoxide anion generation and interleukin 1 (IL-1) production. By contrast, degranulation and hexose-monophosphate shunt activity were unaffected. Tetrandrine may be of value in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases where IL-1 has a major role as an inflammatory mediator.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Alkaloids / pharmacology*
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Benzylisoquinolines*
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Cell Movement / drug effects
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Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / drug effects
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Cytoplasmic Granules / drug effects
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Glucuronidase / metabolism
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Humans
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In Vitro Techniques
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Interleukin-1 / biosynthesis*
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Monocytes / drug effects
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Monocytes / immunology*
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Muramidase / metabolism
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Superoxides / metabolism
Substances
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Alkaloids
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Benzylisoquinolines
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Interleukin-1
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Superoxides
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tetrandrine
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Muramidase
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Glucuronidase