The effects of antithyroid drugs on intercellular mediators.

The antithyroid drugs methimazole and propylthiouracil have been shown to affect the function of monocytes and B and T lymphocytes in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism responsible for signalling between these various cell types. Propranolol, a drug known to have no effect on the immune system, was also included as a control against which the effects of the other drugs could be monitored. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from control subjects were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin in the presence or absence of antithyroid drugs. Propranolol was found significantly to inhibit beta 2 microglobulin production. In addition it was also found to be a very weak scavenger of free oxygen radicals. Methimazole significantly increased interleukin 2 levels (p less than 0.01), but had no significant effect on either gamma-interferon or beta 2 microglobulin production. Propylthiouracil also increased interleukin 2 levels (p less than 0.001) and significantly decreased beta 2 microglobulin production (p less than 0.01). Both drugs were found to be scavengers of free O2 radicals. It would appear that IL-2 is involved in intercellular signalling and this process may involve free radicals.