ISRADIPINE INHIBITS PMN LEUKOCYTE FUNCTION - A POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE WITH THE ADENOSINE SYSTEM

The dihydropyridine derivative isradipine is able to inhibit PMN leuko cyte function, such as enzyme release and free radical generation, fol lowing the activation with specific stimuli. Moreover, the drug preven ts calcium influx into the cells as detected by the specific fluoresce nt dye FURA 2/acetoxymethylester. The specific adenosine receptor anta gonist theophylline is able to partially remove the inhibiting activit y, thus suggesting a possible interference of isradipine with the aden osine system. Such a cell-protecting activity adds further rationale t o the employement of isradipine in those conditions, such as acute and chronic ischaemia and reperfusion damage, in which PMN leukocyte-depe ndent tissue injury represents a relevant pathogenetic mechanism.