An in vitro study was carried out to investigate the effect of clarithromycin, a new oral macrolide, on neutrophil reactive oxygen species generation and chemotaxis. It was found that neutrophil-generated 02−, H202 and OH· levels were significantly increased by clarithromycin at concentrations of 50 μg/ml (P < 0.05). The drug also significantly increased chemotaxis (P < 0.05). These results indicate that clarithromycin may enhance the activation of neutrophils in vivo.
PetersDHClissoldSP: Clarithromycin—a review of its antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic potential. Drugs1992; 44: 117–164.
2.
NiwaYSakaneTShinguM: Neutrophil-generated active oxygens in linear IgA bullous dermatosis. Arch Dermatol1985; 121: 73–78
3.
JohnsonARErdosG: Metabolism of vasoactive peptides by human endothelial cells in culture. J Clin Invest1977; 59: 684–695
4.
JohnstonRBJrLehmeyerJE: Elaboration of toxic oxygen by-products by neutrophils and a model of immune complex disease. J Clin Invest1976; 57: 836–841.
5.
MasseyV: The microestimation of succinate and the extinction coefficient of cytochrome c. Biochem Biophys Acta1959; 34: 255–256.
6.
RootRKMetcalfJA: H2O2 release from human granulocytes during phagocytosis. J Clin Invest1972; 60: 1266–1279
NiwaYKasamaTKiyachiY: Neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and parameters of reactive oxygen species in human aging: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Life Sci1989; 44: 1655–1664.
9.
Van den Broek PJ: Antimicrobial drugs, microorganisms, and phagocytes. Rev Inf Dis1989; 11: 213–245.
10.
DaschnerFD: Antibiotics and host defence with special reference to phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. J Antimicrob Chemother1985; 16: 135–141.
11.
MilatovicD: Antibiotics and phagocytosis. Eur J Microbiol1983; 2: 414–425.
