Effect of long-term and low-dose administration of erythromycin on proliferation of T lymphocytes stimulated with mitogens.
The aim of the study was to assess the effect of long-term low-dose erythromycin (EM) treatment for chronic airway inflammation on proliferation of T cell subsets when stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). CD8+ cells are much more responsive to Con A compared to PHA. Ten patients with bronchiectasis were administered EM at 400 mg daily for 6 months. The extent of proliferation was assayed by [(3)H] thymidine incorporation and expressed as a stimulation index (SI). The lymphocyte subsets were analyzed including CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells. The SI stimulated with Con A in the last month of therapy was significantly lower compared with that before the start of therapy (p=0.015) and 3 months after the end of therapy (p=0.002). However, EM therapy did not make a significant difference to the SIs when stimulated with PHA. CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells in absolute numbers and CD4+/CD8+ ratios were not different among those harvested at the three time points. Long-term administration of EM may decrease the transformation response of CD8+ cells in patients.
Harita
S
S
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chugoku Central Hospital of the Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Japan. harita-shingo@kouritu-cch.jp
Kuyama
S
S
Okada
T
T
Tanizaki
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001987:Bronchiectasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008934:Mitogens; D004917:Erythromycin