Uptake, transport, delivery, and intracellular activity of antimicrobial agents.

Antibiotic interactions with cells, including polymorphonuclear neutrophils, may influence therapeutic outcomes. Selected microbes (e.g.

Effect of antipyretic agents on uptake, transport, and release of antimicrobial agents by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) concentrate, transport, and release certain antimicrobial agents as they move in a chemotactic gradient. Antipyretic agents are frequently used in febrile patients receiving antimicrobial agents. Thus, the influence of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and acetylsalicylic acid on uptake, transport, and release of azithromycin and moxifloxacin was studied.

Clostridium difficile toxin A alters in vitro-adherent neutrophil morphology and function.

The effects of purified toxin A in vitro on the shape and function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) were examined. Toxin A induced changes in adherent PMNL shape from a compact spherical or pyramidal shape to a thin and rope-like shape. This change in shape was accompanied by rearrangement of the F-actin cytoskeleton into aggregates.