Effects of Ketoprofen on Cellular Immune Responses in Mice

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ketoprofen are well documented but little is known about its effects on various aspects of immune system. Apart from immune clearance of foreign antigens, cell mediated immunity plays major role in the regulation of immune system. Present study describes the effects of ketoprofen on cell mediated immunity as measured through macrophage engulfment, nitric oxide (NO) detection, cyclophosphamide induced neutropenia and delayed type hypersensitivity assays following injection of 1mg/kg and 5mg/kg of the drug into the mice. Macrophage engulfment activity and ability to produce NO was significantly (P<0.001) reduced in ketoprofen treated groups. There was significant decrease (p≤0.01) in Total leukocyte count (TLC) after neutropenic dose of cyclophosphamide in control, 1mg/kg and 5mg/kg treated ketoprofen groups. Moreover there was significant decrease (p<0.005) in the phenomena of delayed type hypersensitivity in ketoprofen treated mice. These results provides the basic information of immunosuppression by ketoprofen on cell mediated immunity and supports the potential application of ketoprofen in patients with allo-grafts or autoimmune diseases.