Effects of particulate matter from carbenicillin disodium solution on human macrophages in vitro.

The effects of particulate matter from reconstituted carbenicillin disodium on cultures of human macrophages was studied. Particulate matter from commercially available carbenicillin disodium was collected on 0.1 micrometer membrane filters. Monocytes/macrophages obtained from human peripheral blood were cultivated on the particle bearing surface of the filter in culture medium. The cells were incubated in tissue cultures dishes at a concentration of 2 x 10(6) cells per dish. Experimental and control cultures were observed over six days for changes in morphology, cell membrane integrity, phagocytic capacity, and viability. Exposure of the cells to the particles was not cytotoxic. Cell membrane integrity remained intact as shown by no increase of LDH in the extracellular fluid. The phagocytic capacity of the cell system was not impaired as assessed by observing the intracellular levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Morphological changes as monitored by phase contrast and bright field microscopy were consistent with increased cellular activity. Particulate matter from carbenicillin disodium may not be toxic to human macrophages in vitro for up to six days. At the concentrations used in this study, particulate matter did not lower the phagocytic capacity of human macrophages in vitro.