Effect of Sulphydryl Binding Compounds on the Inflammatory Process

Abstract

THE mechanism of action of numerous substances used as anti-inflammatory agents is not completely understood^1,2. Recently it has been shown that potent blockers of protein synthesis such as actinomycin and puromycin are effective inhibitors of the inflammatory response³. In addition, it has been shown that hydrocortisone acetate might exert at least some of its anti-inflammatory action by interfering with a basic process of protein synthesis^3,4. In the experiments reported here we tested the possible anti-inflammatory effect of compounds which are known to bind sulphydryl (SH) groups, because these groups are essential for the transfer reactions involved in the synthesis of proteins^5–7. In addition, the anti-inflammatory activity of some commonly used drugs was tested in the presence of a compound carrying a sulphydryl group.