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Changes in macrophage function during chemotherapy
1Department of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
Abstract:
Antibiotics, in addition to killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, may also affect the mechanism of host defence in many ways. Such effects may be clinically relevant especially in the case where an impairment of immunological function can be seen. We, therefore, decided to study the influence of penicillin G, cefotaxim, ceftazidime, streptomycin, and lincomycin on the function of phagocytes by using the macrophage adherence assay and the macrophage spreading assay. We also followed the concentrations of neopterin and interferon gamma (IFN gamma) in the plasma of mice treated with the above mentioned antibiotics. Changes in adherence of peritoneal macrophages were seen in mice treated with therapeutic doses of penicillin G and cefotaxim, after 2 h of incubation. Cefotaxim and streptomycin in the usual therapeutic dose and ceftazidime in a fourfold higher dose influenced the capacity of peritoneal macrophages to spread on a glass surface. The same was seen with lincomycin when administered in the therapeutic dose and in a fourfold higher dose. In all the mice treated with antibiotics the concentration of IFN gamma was higher than in the control mice, while the reverse was seen concerning neopterin release, with an exception in mice treated with streptomycin.
Insights
Antibiotics like penicillin and cefotaxim altered macrophage adherence. Several antibiotics also affected macrophage spreading, indicating potential impacts on host defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antibiotics can modulate host defense mechanisms beyond antimicrobial activity.
- Impaired immune function due to antibiotics can have clinical significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of specific antibiotics on phagocyte function.
- To assess changes in macrophage adherence and spreading.
- To measure plasma neopterin and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels in antibiotic-treated mice.
Main Methods:
- Macrophage adherence and spreading assays were used to evaluate phagocyte function.
- Peritoneal macrophages from mice treated with penicillin G, cefotaxim, ceftazidime, streptomycin, and lincomycin were analyzed.
- Plasma concentrations of neopterin and IFN-γ were measured in treated and control mice.
Main Results:
- Penicillin G and cefotaxim altered peritoneal macrophage adherence after 2 hours.
- Cefotaxim, streptomycin, ceftazidime, and lincomycin affected macrophage spreading capacity.
- All antibiotic treatments increased plasma IFN-γ levels, while neopterin levels generally decreased, except in streptomycin-treated mice.
Conclusions:
- Certain antibiotics can modulate phagocyte functions, potentially impacting host immune responses.
- The observed changes in macrophage function and cytokine profiles warrant further investigation into the clinical implications of antibiotic use on host defense.