Effect of libexin combinatum (libexine and emetine) on phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear granulocytes and alveolar macrophages.

The ability of human polymorphonuclear granulocytes and alveolar macrophages from rats to ingest Saccharomyces cerevisiae was tested in vitro in the presence of various concentrations of emetine and libexine. Emetine 4.0 and 40.0 microgram/ml caused an increase in the phagocytic index of polymorphonuclear granulocytes and alveolar macrophages. After oral administration of emetine the phagocytosis-enhancing effect was still apparent. Intracellular killing was not influenced by emetine or libexine.