[The effect of midazolam and flunitrazepam on the liberation of lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase from neutrophil granulocytes in vitro].

Objective: Polymorphonuclear neutrophile leucocytes (PMNL) play an important role in the defence against bacterial infections. It is known that some anaesthetics are able to disturb PMNL functions. We examined the influence of midazolam and flunitrazepam on the activity of the bactericidal enzymes lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase released from PMNL in vitro.

Methods: As described before [4], PMNL were isolated from venous blood samples obtained from 10 healthy male volunteers. PMNL stimulation and measurement of lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase activities were conducted according to the description by Metcalf et al. [5]. The BIOMED-system [8] was used for statistical evaluation.

Results: Neither midazolam nor flunitrazepam caused any statistically important alteration of lysozyme activity. However, clinically relevant concentrations of both benzodiazepines significantly enhanced beta-glucuronidase activity. The additives of flunitrazepam did not play any role.

Conclusion: Surprisingly enough, midazolam and flunitrazepam increased the activity of beta-glucuronidase released from PMNL in vitro. At present, this result can neither be explained nor can its importance be estimated. On the other hand, the benzodiazepines did not relevantly influence lysozyme activity.