EDU decreases polymorphonuclear leukocyte production of reactive oxygen intermediates.

The ability of the heterocyclic compound EDU (N-[2-(2-oxo-1-imidazolindinyl)-ethyl]-N'-phenylurea) to affect polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) activation was examined by measuring superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical release from human PMNLs stimulated by phorbol ester. Results demonstrated that EDU effectively interferes with PMNLs reactive oxygen intermediate production, making it a potentially useful compound to be used to modulate PMNL-associated oxidant damage of inflamed tissues.