Effect of flunoxaprofen on human phagocytic cell function

The 'in vitro' effect of flunoxaprofen on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) activities has been studied. Preincubation of PMN for 30 minutes at 37°C with flunoxaprofen inhibited their leucoattractant-induced migration in a dose-dependent fashion. The basal level of PMN oxidative metabolism, measured by chemiluminescence, was increased after preincubation with the drug; however, flunoxaprofen, in the same conditions, was able to inhibit the chemiluminescent response of zymosan-stimulated PMN. No significant effect on PMN phagocytic activity was found. These data indicate that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug flunoxaprofen may have direct effects on neutrophil migration and activation and suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of the drug may be related, at least in part, to its direct action on neutrophil responses.