IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO IMPACT OF A NEW GLYCOSPHINGOLIPID ON NEUTROPHILS

A new water-soluble, orally absorbable de-N-acetyl-lysoganglioside (WI LD20), breakdown product of the monosialoganglioside GM(1), was found to influence some parameters of neutrophil response to inflammation st imuli. Superoxide anion production appears inhibited, along with neutr ophil killing properties. A block of both pathways of arachidonic acid cascade and PAF was also found, as well as neutrophil ICAM-1-mediated adhesion to endothelial cells. Of particular interest was the signifi cant reduction of neutrophils observed at the site of inflammation, wh ichever agonist was used. The effects on neutrophil physiology found i n normal or in pathological conditions, are in favour of a WILD20-rela ted inhibitory effect on neutrophil contribution to inflammation.