abstract
- The in vitro effect of diazepam on natural killer (NK) cell activity isolated from human peripheral blood has been investigated. NK cell function was estimated by means of a radioactive chromium (51Cr) assay in which human erythroleukaemia K562 cells were used as the target. Diazepam suppressed NK cell function in a concentration-dependent manner (10(-7)-10(-5) M) and a positive correlation was found between the dose of diazepam and inhibition detected by percentage killing of K562 cells. These data indicate that diazepam influences cytotoxic activity and diminishes anti-viral and anti-tumour defence reactions in humans.