Uptake and subcellular distribution of azithromycin in human phagocytic cells. Demonstration of the antibiotic in neutrophil polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes by autoradiography and electron microscopy.
Azithromycin (CAS 83905-01-5), a new azalide antibiotic, reached high concentrations in alveolar macrophages obtained from patients. Uptake of [14C] azithromycin by macrophages resulted in an intracellular/extracellular concentration ratio of approximately 634 after 90 min incubation. Electron microscopic autoradiography provided visual evidence for the marked uptake and localization of [3H] azithromycin in human neutrophils and monocytes isolated from healthy volunteers. Quantitative analysis of the autoradiographs showed the distribution of azithromycin over the various compartments of the phagocytic cells.
Department of Pathology, University of Ulm, Fed. Rep. of Germany.
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Wildfeuer
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Reisert
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Laufen
D001345:Autoradiography; D017963:Azithromycin; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009000:Monocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D004917:Erythromycin; D017963:Azithromycin