Hemorheological effects of buflomedil: action on shape and functions of the human neutrophils.

In vitro studies on the action of buflomedil (BFL) and its derivative CRL 41034 on the polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) has been performed using functional tests and scanning electron microscopy. The two drugs exhibited the same effects. BFL does not change the in vitro chemotaxis of PMN, but exhibits a regulatory effect on ZMS-induced aggregation of these cells. BFL also appeared to decrease superoxide production of PMN, in a dose- and time-dependent way. The cytoskeleton F-actin polymerization, analyzed through the binding of rhodamin-phalloidin, was increased when the total F-actin of the cells was unchanged. When cell extensions were studied morphologically a change in the shape of the pseudopods as well as the general aspect of the PMN (cottonous aspect) was observed as compared to controls. These drug-induced modifications in the shape change may be efficient in adhesion processes. Finally this latter effect and the influence on oxygen metabolite production could be another means of BFL to protect the microvessels during ischemia, in addition to its vasomotion promoting properties.