Immunomodulatory function of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist tropisetron

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of rheumatology Vol. 33; no. S119; pp. 34 - 40
• Main Authors: Schneider, EM, Ma, X, Stratz, T, Müller, W, Lorenz, I, Seeling, WD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Norway Informa UK Ltd 01-01-2004; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Autoimmune Diseases - complications; Autoimmune Diseases - drug therapy; Chronic Disease; Fibromyalgia - complications; Fibromyalgia - drug therapy; Humans; Immune System - drug effects; Indoles - therapeutic use; Middle Aged; Pain - drug therapy; Pain - etiology; Serotonin 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists; Serotonin Antagonists - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0300-9742; 0301-3847; 1502-7732
• DOI: 10.1080/03009740410007014

Objective: To characterize the immune modulatory effects of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist treatment in patients with fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain.
Methods: Multiplex-assisted cytokine measurements were performed before and during treatment. Whole blood stimulation with TNF- was carried out to determine the proinflammatory response induced by exogenous TNF- .
Results: Five of nine patients clinically responded to treatment, and two had a moderate response. All patients had significantly elevated levels of T-H1 cytokines more prominent than TNF- , IL-1 , and IL-6. Treatment resulted in transient effects on peripheral monocyte counts in all but one patient, a plasma IL-1 increase in two responder patients, and decreased T-H1 cytokines in two responder patients. Ex vivo TNF- stimulation was transiently reconstituted in three responder patients to a significant level. Three patients showed a marginal reconstitutive response.
Conclusion: 5-HT3 receptor blockade transiently affects monocyte tissue infiltration, modulates T-H1 cytokines in clinical responders as well as MIP-1 in moderate responders, and transiently affects the ex vivo response to exogenous TNF- .