cortisol-succinate--sodium-salt and ubenimex

Several drugs known to modulate the phagocytic activity of "professional" phagocytes were examined for effects on the bovine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The test system employed was an organ culture model (the RPE cup) developed previously. Iodoacetate depressed the ability of the RPE to phagocytose latex particles labelled with iodine 125, as measured by the gamma-emissions from the RPE cup. Indomethacin, sodium salicylate, azathioprine and alcohol also showed depressant effects. Hydrocortisone sodium succinate had no effect, as has previously been reported. Bestatin, an immunostimulator, did not have a statistically significant effect. The results establish the phagocytic role of the RPE and suggest that this activity may be chemically modulated. This inference may have potential application in the study of retinal dystrophy.

Topics: Animals; Azathioprine; Cattle; Ethanol; Hydrocortisone; Indomethacin; Iodoacetates; Leucine; Organ Culture Techniques; Phagocytosis; Pigment Epithelium of Eye; Sodium Salicylate