Journal
RESPIRATION
Volume 67, Issue 6, Pages 662-671Publisher
KARGER
DOI: 10.1159/000056297
Keywords
IL-10; IL-12; alveolar macrophages; lipopolysaccharide; ambroxol; N-acetylcysteine
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Background: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and ambroxol (AMB) have recently been proposed as possible therapeutic agents in the treatment of pulmonary disorders. IL-12 plays an important role in host resistance to infection and the development of Th-1 cells. in contrast, IL-10 is involved in anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory mechanisms. Objective: We investigated the effects of NAC and AMB on secretions of IL-12 and IL-10 from human alveolar macrophages. Methods: Alveolar macrophages were obtained from 7 healthy nonsmokers by bronchoalveolar lavage. The cells were first incubated with either NAC or AMB for 2 h and then cultured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) solution for 24 h. IL-12 and IL-10 secretions were measured by ELISA. Result Both NAC and AMB enhanced LPS-induced secretion of IL-12. NAC also enhanced LPS-induced IL-10 secretion, while AMB did not. The ratio IL-12/IL-10 secretion was increased by AMB, but NAC did not affect it. Conclusions: The results suggest that NAC enhances inflammatory and immune responses and prevents excessive responses reciprocally, through keeping local balance of IL-12 and IL-10 production in alveolar macrophages at inflammatory sites of bacterial pneumonia. AMB appears to strengthen inflammatory responses and cell-mediated immunity, facilitating the development of Th-1 cells, through shifting the local balance to IL-12 dominance. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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