Effects of roxithromycin on neutrophil functions in vitro and in vivo

The aim of this study was to elucidate the interaction between roxithromycin and neutrophils. We determined, therefore, the effects of roxithromycin on human neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis in vitro and in vivo. Roxithromycin enhanced chemotaxis and phagocytosis by neutrophils derived from healthy voluntees and patients with atopic dermatitis showed a significantly decreased level of human neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis in vitro, as compared to healthy volunteers. Roxithromycin was administered orally for 1 weeks in a dialy dose of 300mg to patients with atopic dermatitis showed a significantly decreased level of human neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis, as compared to healthy volunteers. Patients with atopic dermatitis treated with roxithromycin showed a significant increase in the ability of human neutrophil chemotaxis and phagosytosis in vivo. These results indicate that roxithromycin may enhance the response of the non-specific infectious defense system, presumably due to its stimulatory effect on neutrophil functions.