The repeated detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in human coronary plaques(1,
2) and the infiltration of coronary plaques with macrophages(3) have raised
interest in antibiotic treatment of coronary artery disease. In fact, macr
olide treatment of patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease has sh
own some salutary effects.(4,5) Possible mechanisms for this beneficial eff
ect include a suppression of macrophage activity, a decrease in the concent
ration of markers of inflammation or a direct antibiotic effect against C.
pneumoniae in the coronary plaque.(4-6) The coronary plaque seems therefore
to be an attractive target for macrolide action. However, in vivo uptake o
f macrolides into human coronary plaques as a prerequisite of local action
has not been reported so far.