Diazepam Inhibits Phagocytosis and Killing Exerted by Polymorphonuclear Cells and Monocytes from Healthy Donors. In Vitro Studies

Abstract

The effect of a benzodiazepine (BDZ), diazepam on human polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) and monocyte pha gocytosis and killing from healthy volunteers has been evaluated. Diazepam is able to inhibit in vitro both functions exerted by PMN and monocytes at 10⁻⁵ and 10⁻⁶ M concentrations/ 4 × 10⁶ phagocytes. 10⁻⁷ M con centration was not effective in all the instances.

These results are discussed for their possible clinical implications, since previous studies have shown that in patients with phobic disorder there is evidence for reduced phagocytosis and killing capacities.

Keywords:

• Benzodiazepines
• Immunity
• Killing
• Phagocytosis