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The authors reviewed the data about inflammatory diseases acquired in the last few years. They have studied clinical aspects of inflammatory reaction, the various mediators of inflammation and physiological anti-inflammatory molecules.

The effect of a phlogogenic agent and of six sulphur compounds on peritoneal macrophages, spleen B lymphocytes, and von Kupffer cells of the liver has been observed in BALB/C mice. The phlogogenic agent (0.5% carrageenin + 10% peptone) was a potent stimulant of the macrophages (increasing their number, protein content, and acid phosphatase activity), the lymphocytes (increase of haemolytic plaque counts), and the von Kupffer cells (increase of the colloidal carbon clearance rate which measures phagocytic capacity). Of four acid sulphur compounds (benzenesulphonates)-ethamsylate, diethylammonium persilate, calcium dobesilate, and piperazine sultosilate--not previously screened for antiinflammatory activity, all except piperazine sultosilate inhibited the macrophages, all except calcium dobesilate stimulated the lymphocytes, and only calcium dobesilate stimulated the von Kupffer cells. Two non-acid sulphur compounds--levamisole and pyritinol hydrochloride--had no effect on the macrophages but were potent stimulants of the lymphocytes and the von Kupffer cells. Because of these immunostimulant properties, levamisole and pyritinol hydrochloride may prove useful in the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis in which the patient's immune potential has to be restored.

A study of the mouse Balb/c peritoneal macrophages has been made after oral antiinflammatory drugs administration on animals which previously had an inflammation with carrageenan. The results show an enhancement of the number of the macrophages, of their enzymatic activities and of their proteins' content. These three parameters fall down more or less rapidly according to the considered antiinflammatory drug.

In a previous chapter, the importance of macrophages in inflammatory processes was emphasized upon. The authors now mention the outstanding inflammatory agents utilized for experimental purposes, especially as regards the pattern of their action. Finally, this paper restates the question of the pharmacology and therapy in inflammation.