In-vitro concentration of azithromycin in human phagocytic cells.
The in-vitro intraphagocytic uptake and retention of azithromycin in both human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) and alveolar macrophages was measured by an improved high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method that was approximately three-fold more sensitive than previous methods. Azithromycin was accumulated in PMN and alveolar macrophages (about 300-fold), with maximum uptake being obtained after incubation for 60 min. Azithromycin was eliminated only partially from the cells during the washing process, and was released slowly during re-incubation of phagocytic cells in antibiotic-free medium. This intracellular retention distinguishes azithromycin from most of the macrolides and quinolones which, in spite of high I/E ratios, are released rapidly from cells.
Institut Pasteur de Lyon, France.
G
G
Panteix
B
B
Guillaumond
R
R
Harf
A
A
Desbos
V
V
Sapin
M
M
Leclercq
M
M
Perrin-Fayolle
D017963:Azithromycin; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
D004917:Erythromycin; D017963:Azithromycin