Effects of Himatanthus lancifolius on Human Leukocyte Chemotaxis and their Adhesion to Integrins

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of the uleine-rich fraction extracted from the barks of Himatanthus lancifolius (Muell. Arg.) Woodson (Apocynaceae). To achieve this, we focused on its in vitro effects on some steps of the inflammatory response using peripheral human leukocytes. The results presented herein show that the uleine-rich fraction significantly inhibits the migration of casein-induced granulocytes and their adhesion to fibronectin and vitronectin, along with mononuclear cells, by down-regulating the expression of α₄β₁ and α₅β₁ integrins. The data suggest that H. lancifolius has the potential of interferring with leukocyte trafficking through its uleine-rich fraction, emphasizing its usefulness in inflammatory conditions.

Abbreviations

DEXA:dexamethasone disodium phosphate

FN:fibronectin

PMN:polymorphonuclear

URF:uleine-rich fraction

VN:vitronectin

Key words

Himatanthus lancifolius - Apocynaceae - uleine - inflammation - chemotaxis - adhesion molecules

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