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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment
08:33

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Analyses of Murine Intestinal Microbiota After Oral Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: November 17, 2018

Effects of antibiotics on the developing immune system

M Dostál1, V Hofmannová, D Soukupová

  • 1Institute of experimental Medicine, Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, Prague.

Bratislavske Lekarske Listy
|December 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Ampiclox, a penicillin and cloxacillin combination, may impact the developing immune system in neonates. This study observed effects on humoral immunity and immune cell responses in offspring exposed during pregnancy or early life.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Penicillin and cloxacillin combination (Ampiclox) is used for bacterial infections in neonates.
  • The developing immune system's sensitivity to external factors requires investigation.
  • Understanding drug effects on neonatal immune development is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of Ampiclox on the functional development of the immune system in offspring.
  • To assess immunomodulatory effects of Ampiclox exposure during critical developmental windows in mice.

Main Methods:

  • Female ICR mice received Ampiclox during pregnancy (days 13-16).
  • Offspring immune functions were assessed via sheep red blood cell immunization in postnatal weeks 5 and 10.
  • Humoral immunity, delayed-type hypersensitivity, and lymphocyte proliferation were measured.

Main Results:

  • Ampiclox administration during pregnancy altered hemagglutinin antibody levels, delayed-type hypersensitivity, and spleen/thymocyte responses.
  • Direct Ampiclox administration to young rats on postnatal days 9-11 or 14-16 also affected humoral immunity.
  • Observed changes indicate a potential for immunomodulation by Ampiclox in developing immune systems.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal and early postnatal exposure to Ampiclox can influence immune system development.
  • The developing immune system exhibits sensitivity to the immunomodulatory effects of Ampiclox.
  • Clinical relevance requires further study, but caution is advised regarding antimicrobial therapy during sensitive developmental periods.

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