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Published on: April 29, 2015
In vitro and in vivo effects of Imipenem on phagocytic activity of murine peritoneal macrophages
R M Núñez1, A B Rodriguez, C Barriga
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.
Abstract:
Imipenem, a new antibiotic beta-lactam, and Tienam (an Imipenem/Cilastatine combination) have been studied in vitro and in vivo respectively, in the phagocytic function of macrophages. In this paper we have seen the variations produced by 50 mg/l of Imipenem and 120 mg/kg of Tienam in the adherence, spontaneous mobility, chemotaxis, opsonization, phagocytosis of Candida albicans and latex beads, candidicid effect and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction in peritoneal macrophages from BALB/C mice. This antibiotic significantly increases in vitro and in vivo the adherence, spontaneous mobility and chemotaxis, phagocytosis of latex beads and the digestion of ingested material (nitroblue tetrazolium reduction) in the above-mentioned cells. The number of Candida albicans opsonized and ingested by the macrophages is not modified in the presence of Imipenem, and neither is the candidicid effect.
Insights
This study shows that the antibiotic Imipenem and Tienam enhance macrophage functions like adherence, mobility, and phagocytosis of latex beads. However, they do not affect Candida albicans opsonization or the candidacidal effect.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in phagocytosis.
- Beta-lactam antibiotics can modulate immune cell functions.
- Imipenem and Tienam (Imipenem/Cilastatine) are broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Imipenem and Tienam on macrophage phagocytic functions.
- To assess the impact of these antibiotics on key cellular activities including adherence, mobility, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo studies using peritoneal macrophages from BALB/C mice.
- Evaluation of macrophage adherence, spontaneous mobility, chemotaxis, and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction.
- Assessment of phagocytosis of Candida albicans and latex beads, and candidacidal effect.
Main Results:
- Imipenem and Tienam significantly increased macrophage adherence, spontaneous mobility, and chemotaxis.
- Antibiotic treatment enhanced the phagocytosis of latex beads and the digestion of ingested material (NBT reduction).
- No significant changes were observed in Candida albicans opsonization, ingestion, or the candidacidal effect.
Conclusions:
- Imipenem and Tienam enhance specific macrophage functions, particularly those related to bacterial clearance and inflammatory responses.
- These antibiotics may have immunomodulatory effects beyond their antimicrobial activity.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these findings.
