[Influence of some antibiotics on eicosanoid production by human macrophages in vitro]

Non antibacterial effects of antibiotics are presently investigated by several authors. They estimate the effects of different molecules on polynuclear chemotaxis, cytokine production or macrophage activity. In this experiment we have studied the effects of two betalactams, two macrolides, a fluoroquinolone and a tetracycline on eicosanoïd production by stimulated human macrophages in vitro. All evaluated antibiotics are able to modify the prostaglandin and/or leukotriene production. Taking into account the immunomodulative and inflammatory properties of the eicosanoids, the variation of their production could be relevant in clinical practice.