In vitro modulation of macrophage functions by 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH): Possible mechanism for UDMH-induced immuno-enhancement.

The in vitro effects of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) on prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis, chemiluminescence, phagocytosis, microbicidal activity and chemotaxis in murine enriched-macrophage populations were evaluated. PGE(2) synthesis by resident peritoneal macrophages and chemiluminescence by activated macrophages were markedly suppressed in the presence of UDMH; phagocytosis and microbicidal activity were slightly to moderately suppressed, and chemotaxis was not affected. Two of these functions (PGE(2) synthesis and chemiluminescence) reflect macrophage immunoregulatory properties, and the UDMH-induced abrogation of these functions may be related to the previously reported immuno-enhancing effects of UDMH.