title: Evaluation of the immunostimulating activity of erythromycin in man.
abstract: The effects of erythromycin on the immune system have been studied in healthy volunteers and patients suffering from chronic bronchopneumonial diseases, by means of the following assays: phagocytosis, natural killer activity and superoxide anion production. The tests were performed before and after oral administration of 1 g of erythromycin. The findings suggest that erythromycin enhances phagocytosis by means of increasing ingestion of microorganisms, superoxide anion (O2-) production as well as natural killer activity. Under the experimental conditions described these effects appear 4-6 h after drug intake and reach their maximum around the 8th hour.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001996:Bronchopneumonia / Q000276:immunology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013481:Superoxides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D013481:Superoxides; D004917:Erythromycin