Effects of potassium iodide, colchicine and dapsone on the generation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte-derived oxygen intermediates.

The effects of potassium iodide, colchicine and dapsone on the in vitro generation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-derived oxygen intermediates were investigated. These three drugs have beneficial effects on those conditions in which PMNs play an important pathogenetic role. Three oxygen intermediates, superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH.) and chemiluminescence were included in assay studies. Dose response studies were performed with therapeutic doses of the drugs (10 microM--mM). We found that both potassium iodide and dapsone significantly suppressed the generation of oxygen intermediates, except for O2-. Colchicine decreased OH. production. Our results show tha these agents to some extent exert their anti-inflammatory effects by interfering with the PMN-dependent production of oxygen intermediates, thus conferring protection from auto-oxidative tissue injury. This may account for their clinical efficacy in many PMN-mediated dermatological diseases.