The effects of chemotactic peptide fMLP-boanmycin combination on macrophage functions

Objective Chemotactic peptide can activate and attract macrophages. Boanmycin (BAM ) is effective against a panel of cancers in clinical trials. Chemotactic peptide fMLP may enhance BAM antitumor action. This study is set to investigate the chemotactic action of fMLP on macrophages pretreated with BAM and the effect of it on the release of superoxide anion (O 2-)from the macrophages in order to explain the mechanism of above phenomenon. Methods Macrophages were taken out from peritoneal cavity of mice pretreated with BAM by ip route. Chemotactic experiment was carried out by using Transwell model. Superoxide anion was determined by NBT assay. Results fMLP 4.6×10 -7 mol/L had higher chemotactic activity on macrophages pretreated with BAM 1mg/kg (P0.05). fMLP 4.6×10 -7 mol/L significantly increased the release of superoxide anion (O 2-) from macrophages pretreated with BAM 1mg/kg, 3mg/kg and 10mg/kg (P 0.01). Conclusion That fMLP makes the chemotactic function and superoxide anion release function of the macrophages pretreated with BAM increase may be one of the mechanisms that fMLP may enhance BAM antitumor action.