Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte (Pmn) in Healthy Children After a Single Oral Dose of Erytromycin (E)

Abstract

The PMN,thanks to its ability to engulf and kill microorganisms, works as first defence against invading bacteria.whether or nQt antibiotics are administered.Because ofthe so-called "postantibiotic effectl',antibiotics in vitro slow down bacterial growth and metabolism for a period stretching beyond the exposure.0ur study aims at assaying the capacity of E to influence PMN activity against microorganisms. PMN function was evaluated by chemotaxis,using the modified Boyden technique,and by Candida Albicans phagocytosis and killing using Lehre, and Cline technique.PMN8s were isolated from the peripheral blood of 9 healthy children(mean age 7,1622.82) treated with a single oral dose of 25mg/Kg of E. Blood wase drawn prior to the administration of the antibiotic(reference value of PMN activity),2 hrs. later (when E blood levels reach their peakland 8 hrs. later(2 hrs. after disappearance of E from the blood).The results show that,from the 8th hour on.there is a considerable increase in PMN phagocytic and killer activity(phF 0,171 c0.04 before;0,40+0,08 after 8 hrs.;p<<0,001-% killing 23,08+4,16 before;32,6+5,1 after 8 hrs.;p<O,OOl).Chemotaxis is unchanged (I.C. 78,52+7,73 before; 77,72+8,28 after 8 hrs.). WGPACI-Abstracts Read by Title BRCNCHIAL PROVOCATICN TESTS (BPT) WITH D. PTER~NYSSINUS 25 3 ICD.Pter). EFFECT OF SPECIFIC IWUNOTHERWY (51). after SI I X = 2.31 o =1.21j p<0.