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beta-Lactam antibiotic modulation of murine neutrophil cytokinesis

M T Kenny1, F J Balistreri, H L Torney

  • 1Marion Merrell Dow Research Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268-0460.

Insights

Beta-lactam antibiotics modulate neutrophil migration, with Group 6 antibiotics inhibiting random and directed migration without cytotoxicity. Chlorpromazine, a calcium inhibitor, also affects migration.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Neutrophil migration is crucial for immune response.
  • Beta-lactam antibiotics are widely used antimicrobials.
  • Understanding antibiotic effects on immune cells is important.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro effects of various beta-lactam antibiotics on murine neutrophil migration.
  • To classify beta-lactam antibiotics based on their modulatory effects on neutrophil chemotaxis.
  • To assess the cytotoxicity of antibiotics affecting neutrophil migration.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro evaluation of 14 cephalosporins, 11 penicillins, and 1 monobactam.
  • Assessing random (R) and FMLP-directed (D) neutrophil migration.
  • Trypan blue exclusion assays for cytotoxicity.
  • Neutrophil adherence assays.
  • Testing the effect of calcium channel blocker chlorpromazine.

Main Results:

  • Beta-lactam antibiotics were categorized into 6 groups based on their differential effects on R and D migration.
  • Group 6 antibiotics (cefadroxil, cefazolin, penicillin G, methicillin) inhibited both R and D migration without causing cytotoxicity.
  • Antibiotics inhibiting directed migration also increased neutrophil adherence.
  • Chlorpromazine significantly inhibited both beta-lactam and FMLP-directed migration.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-lactam antibiotics exhibit diverse modulatory effects on neutrophil migration.
  • Inhibition of neutrophil migration by certain beta-lactams is not due to direct cell toxicity.
  • Calcium signaling pathways may play a role in beta-lactam-mediated modulation of neutrophil function.

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