Effects of cefodizime and cefotaxime on cellular and humoral immune responses

Cefodizime is a new cephalosporin antibiotic which has shown some remarkable immunomodulating activities. To mimic possible immunopharmacological effects of prolonged chemotherapy in vivo, we investigated the influence of a seven-day treatment with cefodizime on cellular and humoral parameters of the immune system in BALB/c mice. The dosages (0.4, 0.8 and 1.8 mg cefodizime per day) were calculated on a per kg bodyweight basis according to therapy recommendations for humans. Delayed type hypersensitivity (oxazolone test) as well as the production of IgM and IgG antibodies (direct and indirect plaque forming test) were investigated in BALB/c mice. Leukocyte and monocyte activities were measured using human cells. The results are discussed using cefotaxime as comparable reference drug.