Effects of ofloxacin on cell-mediated immune response and lymphokine production

The effects of orally administered ofloxacin on functional parameters of cell-mediated immunity were investigated in 15 patients with respiratory or urinary tract infections. Mononuclear leucocytes were obtained before administering the drug, 1 h after the first dose, and five days later. The cells were stimulated with lectins, tetanus toxoid and Newcastle Disease virus in order to assess mitogen- and antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and production of γ-interferon, interleulrin-2 and α-interferon. An increase in proliferative response to pokeweed mitogen and a slight but significant decrease in α-interferon production were observed, while other parameters remained unaffected by treatment.