The effects of D-pencillamine and levamisole on leucocyte chemotaxis in the rat.

The administration of D-penicillamine (25 mg/kg) or levamisole (5 mg/kg) had no effect on leucocyte emigration into the exudates formed in inert sponges implanted in normal rats. 2 In rats, previously sensitized to Bordetella pertussis and implanted with sponges containing pertussis vaccine, an increased leucocyte migration into the exudates occurred; this was significantly enhanced by the administration of the drugs. 3 Neither drug in vitro affected the chemotaxis of rat polymorphonuclear leucocytes although random migration was significantly increased by levamisole (2 microgram to 1 mg/ml). Neither drug affected the chemotaxis of rat mononuclear cells although levamisole (25 microgram/ml) significantly increased that of human monocytes. 4 It is concluded that both drugs produce similar effects in an animal model of delayed hypersensitivity and that their clinical antirheumatic actions may have common elements.