The effect of methimazole on the immune system is unlikely to operate directly on T lymphocytes

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
M BagnascoG W Canonica

Abstract

It has been shown that the antithyroid drug methimazole (MMI) may affect B cells and possibly accessory cell function. In the present study we investigated in detail the effects of MMI on T cell in vitro proliferation. The following variables were evaluated: T cell proliferation following stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and anti-CD3 or anti-CD2 monoclonal antibodies; interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) production by PHA-stimulated T cells in bulk culture and by T cell clones; PHA-induced IL-2 receptor expression; LPS-induced interleukin-1 production by accessory cells. The results obtained failed to demonstrate any effect of MMI on T cells in vitro proliferation, whatever the activation pathway considered. In addition, IL-2 and gamma-IFN productions were substantially unaffected by the drug, as well as IL-1 production by accessory cells. However, a slight reduction of PHA-induced IL-2 receptor expression was observed. Although the hypothesis of an effect of MMI on some specialized T cell functions cannot be ruled out, it is likely that the supposed "immunosuppressive" effect of the drug does not concern primarily the T lymphocyte.

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Citations

Apr 14, 2016·Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine·Lin LiuChu Xun
Jan 1, 1993·Virchows Archiv. B, Cell Pathology Including Molecular Pathology·W K LiuC C Wong
Jan 1, 1993·Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association·L Wartofsky

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