Abstract: Aim The effects of indomethacin on serum β₂-microglobulin (β₂-MG)in obstructive jaundice were to be observed.Methods Serum and urinary β₂-MG levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 18 patients with obstrutive jauadice before and 3 days after oraladministration of imdomethacin, and plasma thromboxane (TXA₂), prostacyclin (PGI₂)levels were determined in the meanwhile.Results both TXA₂/PGI₂ and serum β₂-MG(P<0.05)decreased signi ficantly after patients took this drug orally.But serum β₂-MG could not return tonormal levels, with urinay β₂-MG having no obvious changes.Conclusion Indomethacin may decrease serum β₂-MG levels to a certain extent in patients with obstructive jaundice by inhibiting the synthesis of TXA₂.

Key words: indomethacin, obstructive jaundice, β₂-microglobulin, thromboxane