Inhibition of phagocytosis and killing of bacteria by anaesthetic agents in vitro.

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) are an essential contribution to protection from bacterial infection. We have examined the effects of thiopentone, etomidate, ketamine and flunitrazepam on phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by PMNL in vitro with fluorescence microscopy. All anaesthetic agents significantly inhibited both phagocytosis and bactericidal activity. The additives in the commercial preparations may have contributed to the suppression.