In vitro study of the potential role of guanidines in leukocyte functions related to atherogenesis and infection.

Background: The blunted immune response upon stimulation in chronic renal failure (CRF) is often coupled to a baseline inflammatory status which has been related to atherogenesis. Uremic biologic fluids and several specific uremic retention solutes alter cell-mediated immune responses, as well as the interaction of calcitriol with the immune system.

Methods: The present study evaluated the influence of different guanidino compounds on DNA synthesis, chemiluminescence production, and CD14 expression of undifferentiated and calcitriol-differentiated HL-60 cells.