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Influence of calcium channel blockers on polymorphonuclear and monocyte bactericidal and fungicidal activity
1Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
Abstract:
The effect of calcium channel blocking agents on the killing activity of human peritoneal polymorphonuclears (PMN) and monocytes was studied. The organisms used were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The pharmacological concentration of verapamil (5 microM), nifedipine (10 microM) and diltiazem (10 microM) caused a similar inhibition of killing activity in both PMN and monocytes. The calcium channel blockers significantly reduced the in vitro killing of E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans by PMN to about 47%, 30% and 20% respectively, compared with 81 +/- 6%, 65 +/- 5% and 40 +/- 4% in the controls. The killing of these organisms by monocytes was 60 +/- 6%, 42 +/- 7% and 35 +/- 5% respectively, as compared with 30%, 20% and 17% in the presence of these drugs. The bactericidal activity of the phagocytic cells from patients under treatment with calcium channel blockers was not affected and was found to be within the normal range, indicating that calcium channel blockers do not cause an irreversible impairment in PMN and monocyte killing activity. However, their potential inhibition of phagocytic cell activity should be taken into consideration during treatment.
Insights
Calcium channel blockers can inhibit the killing activity of human polymorphonuclears (PMN) and monocytes against bacteria and fungi. However, this effect is reversible, as shown by normal phagocytic cell function in patients undergoing treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Phagocytic cells, including polymorphonuclears (PMN) and monocytes, are crucial for innate immunity.
- Calcium channel blockers are widely used cardiovascular drugs.
- The impact of calcium channel blockers on immune cell function requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effect of common calcium channel blockers on the phagocytic and bactericidal/fungicidal activity of human PMN and monocytes.
- To assess whether calcium channel blockers cause irreversible impairment of phagocytic cell killing functions.
Main Methods:
- Human peritoneal PMN and monocytes were isolated.
- The killing activity of these cells against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans was assessed in the presence of verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem at pharmacological concentrations.
- Phagocytic cell activity from patients on calcium channel blocker therapy was also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem significantly inhibited the in vitro killing activity of both PMN and monocytes against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans.
- PMN killing activity was reduced to 47% (E. coli), 30% (S. aureus), and 20% (C. albicans) in the presence of the drugs, compared to controls (81%, 65%, 40%).
- Monocyte killing activity was reduced to 30% (E. coli), 20% (S. aureus), and 17% (C. albicans) with the drugs, compared to controls (60%, 42%, 35%).
- Importantly, bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells from patients on calcium channel blockers was within the normal range, indicating no irreversible impairment.
Conclusions:
- Calcium channel blockers can reversibly inhibit the in vitro killing capacity of human PMN and monocytes against common microbial pathogens.
- The observed inhibition of phagocytic cell activity by calcium channel blockers warrants consideration in clinical treatment, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
- No irreversible impairment of phagocytic cell function was detected in patients receiving calcium channel blocker therapy.