A comparison of the effects of tobramycin and netilmycin on the functions of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes and lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo

The effects of the antimicrobial agents tobramycin and netilmycin on the functions of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) and on the mitogen-induced transformation of lymphocytes have been investigated both in vitro and in vivo before and 1 hour after a single intramuscular injection of the antibiotics. Neither antibiotic affected the migratory, phagocytic or antimicrobial capacities of PMNLs or the proliferative responses of lymphocytes to mitogens, at therapeutic concentrations or at 10-100-fold greater than therapeutic concentrations. Likewise, no alterations in these leucocyte functions accompanied the intramuscular injection of either antibiotic. Neither tobramycin nor netilmycin therefore interferes with host immunodefence mechanisms.