Effect of doxycycline on oxygen-dependent killing mechanisms of human neutrophils

The effects of doxycycline on neutrophil adhesivity, ingestion rate, and oxidative burst by particle and soluble compounds have been analyzed. The rate of bacterial ingestion by neutrophils as well as its subsequently particle-induced oxidative burst comprising oxygen uptake, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion productions, and iodination were all inversely correlated to doxycycline concentration included in the assay medium. The neutrophil oxidative burst induced by phorbol myristate (a soluble stimulant) was also inversely correlated to doxycycline concentration. Drug effect was observed at lower concentrations when the neutrophil stimulant was a soluble compound than when it was particles. In contrast doxycycline did not affect neutrophil adhesivity to either nylon fibers or Petri dishes. Further studies are needed to assess whether the activity of the drug on the neutrophil is due only to its ability to chelate calcium and magnesium or to other properties.