The effects of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate and dexamethasone on acute inflammation and T-cell proliferation.

OBJECTIVE

Chronic glucocorticoid treatment is associated with pharmacological resistance. We investigated the auxiliary effects of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) on dexamethasone (DEX)-related modulation of inflammation and T-cell proliferation.

METHODS

Acute inflammation (pleurisy) was induced by injection of carrageenan into the pleural cavity of rats that were treated in vivo with DEX s. c. and FBP i. p. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and T-cell sensitivity to FBP and DEX was evaluated in vitro.

RESULTS

FBP and DEX reduced the exudate volume, protein concentration and neutrophils in the pleural cavity. However no synergistic effects were observed when these compounds were tested simultaneously. In contrast, both compounds dose-dependently and synergistically suppressed T-cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that FBP may be beneficial as auxiliary drug for the treatment of patients with acquired glucocorticoid resistance.