Inhibitory effect of bifemelane on superoxide generation by activated neutrophils measured using a simple chemiluminescence method

We evaluated the effect of 4-(2-benzylphenoxy)-N-methylbutylamine hydrochloride (bifemelane hydrochloride) on superoxide production by human neutrophils using an MCLA-dependent chemiluminescence assay. Bifemelane hydrochloride dose-dependently inhibited superoxide production by neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate, opsonized zymosan, or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, while it had no effect on superoxide production by a hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase system. These results indicate that bifemelane hydrochloride does not have a scavenging effect, but has an inhibitory effect on superoxide generation by neutrophils. Although this drug is commonly used for treating chronic cerebral infarction, it may also have a protective effect on acute ischemia/reperfusion injury.