Effects of aztreonam and netilmicin upon alveolar macrophage function.

Both aztreonam and netilmicin showed no toxic effect on alveolar macrophage function when administered at varying concentrations. Killing ability was unchanged as well. The increase of enzyme delivery, assessed at varying concentrations, was very limited and of no relevance in the pathogenesis of possible tissue damage. It can be explained on the basis of a change in the permeability of membranes or to output during phagocytosis. In cultures containing either antibiotic under similar conditions we did not note any substantial differences. The concentrations tested can be used safely in the therapy of infections due to most gram-negative bacteria.