Uptake, transport, and delivery of antimicrobial agents by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are attracted to sites of infection. Th ey have the potential to deliver antimicrobial agents to these sites if the agents enter the cells and do not alter migration. Penicillin G did not en ter cells and was not transported by PMN, We found that azithromycin, cipro floxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and telithromycin were concentrated i n PMN and transported toward a chemoattractant. These antimicrobial agents were released from the PMN and inhibited the growth of bacteria on test pla tes.