Decreased cell proliferation and PGE2 production by fibroblasts treated with a modified hexose sugar, amiprilose hydrochloride.

Amiprilose hydrochloride, a modified hexose sugar effectively decreases proliferation of human skin and synovial fibroblasts and of rabbit synovial fibroblasts. It also decreases production of the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by these cells. Cell proliferation, measured by incorporation of 3H-thymidine and by cell number, is decreased by concentrations of amiprilose hydrochloride of 1 mg/ml, while PGE2 synthesis is decreased by concentrations as low as 10 micrograms/ml. Concentrations of 1 mg/ml are not cytotoxic, as measured by protein synthesis. The anti-proliferate and anti-inflammatory effects of amiprilose hydrochloride, combined with its lack of cytotoxicity, suggest that this compound may be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune proliferate and inflammatory disease of connective tissue.