Oxatomide modifies membrane fluidity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes from children with allergic asthma

Background: Plasma membrane fluidity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was investigated in 10 allergic asthmatic children before and after oxato-mide treatment. Methods: Membrane fluidity was studied by measuring the steady state fluorescence anisotropy of 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) incorporated into polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) plasma membranes. Results: There was an increase in membrane fluidity at the surface of PMN from asthmatic children. Oxatomide treatment significantly decreased PMN membrane fluidity. Conclusions: These data suggest that oxatomide may induce changes in the physicochemical properties of the PMN plasma membrane in asthmatic subjects. These changes may modify the functional activities of PMN.