Modification of polymorphonuclear leucocyte function by imidazoles.

The effect of five imidazole derivatives (metronidazole, tinidazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and ketoconazole) on human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) was examined in vitro. Metronidazole and tinidazole had no apparent effect on either PMNL chemotactic response or PMNL fungal/bacterial killing. In contrast, clotrimazole, miconazole and ketoconazole inhibited PMNL chemotaxis. In addition, miconazole and ketoconazole were shown to depress the ability of PMNL to kill bacteria and fungi.