Effect of ceftazidime on systemic cytokine concentrations in rats

The effect of a single dose of ceftazidime on circulating concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in a rat model of sepsis was studied. IL-6 concentrations were significantly elevate d (100 to 200 times the baseline) 6 h after ceftazidime administration in b oth septic and nonseptic (control) rats. TNF-alpha concentrations increased significantly in nonseptic (similar to 40 times the baseline) rats but not septic (similar to2 to 3 times the baseline) rats. Ceftazidime administrat ion was not associated with an increase in endotoxin concentrations. These findings suggest that ceftazidime modulation of proinflammatory cytokine co ncentrations may be independent of its antimicrobial properties.