Differential effects of hydroxyurea and zileuton on interleukin-13 secretion by activated murine spleen cells: Implication on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and vasoocclusion in sickle cell anemia

Data suggest that hydroxyurea up-regulates IL-13 secretion in anti-CD3-activated lymphocytes through gene activation but not by altered cell proliferation. Increased IL-13 secretion may contribute to unresponsiveness of certain SCD patients to hydroxyurea. The potential benefit of zileuton in the management of vasoocclusion is discussed.