Stimulation of phagocytic processes and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of human neutrophils by cefmetazole.

Interactions between antimicrobial agents and phagocytic cells, especially neutrophils, have a potential role in the treatment of infections. The in vitro effects of cefmetazole, a novel beta-lactam antibiotic, at a therapeutic concentration reached in plasma (50 micrograms/ml) on phagocytic and cytotoxic functions of human neutrophils have been studied. In human neutrophils, adherence capacity to nylon fiber and to substrate, chemotaxis, attachment to and ingestion of Candida albicans (with serum, with decomplemented serum and without serum), ingestion of inert particles (latex beads), candidicidal activity and superoxide anion production were all stimulated by cefmetazole. Cefmetazole at this dose was a chemotactic agent for neutrophils. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was also increased by this anti-microbial agent.