In the process of performing a previously published study examining B cell function in 16 patients with
common variable immunodeficiency (CVI)(J
Allergy Clin Immunol 1991; 87:1138-49), we noted improved in vitro antibody (Ab) synthesis in a patient, H. B., while he was taking a
cyclooxygenase and
lipoxygenase inhibitor,
ketoprofen. Addition of
ketoprofen in vitro to B cells from patients with CVI resulted in improved proliferation and differentiation in four of five additional patients with CVI studied. One patient, besides H. B., M. K. B., whose B cells secreted increased amounts of
antigen (Ag)-specific Ab in response to in vitro
ketoprofen, underwent a trial of oral
ketoprofen M. K. B., like H. B., demonstrated improved in vitro Ag-specific Ab production while she was taking oral
ketoprofen. No increase in serum Ab levels was noted in either patient taking
ketoprofen, but both patients remained
infection free during the time of their
ketoprofen trials (H. B., 9 months, and M. K. B., 36 months). No improvement in in vitro Ag-specific Ab synthesis was noted when H. B. and M. K. B. took oral
cyclooxygenase inhibitors (
naproxen or
ibuprofen). Thus, additional study is warranted to examine the role of
lipoxygenase products of
arachidonic acid in the B cell dysfunction of CVI.