Directed neutrophil migration to IL-8 is increased in cystic fibrosis: a study of the effect of erythromycin
- aDivision of Clinical Sciences, TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Subiaco, Western Australia, bDepartment of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, cDepartment of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Nedlands. Western Australia
- Dr S Brennan, Division of Clinical Sciences, TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, GPO Box 855, West Perth, Western Australia 6872shivs{at}ichr.uwa.edu.au
- Received 3 April 2000
- Revision requested 16 June 2000
- Revised 19 September 2000
- Accepted 3 October 2000
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare neutrophil migration in cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF populations and to investigate the effect of erythromycin on directed migration of neutrophils (PMNs) in CF.
METHODS PMNs were isolated and their migratory capacity in response to interleukin-8 (IL-8) or f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) in the presence or absence of erythromycin (1–100 μg/ml) was assessed.
RESULTS CF derived PMNs showed significantly increased migration to IL-8 but not to fMLP compared with non-CF PMNs. Erythromycin had no significant effect on migration responses to IL-8 and in vitro exposure of PMNs to erythromycin had no effect.
CONCLUSIONS CF derived PMNs show higher migratory responsiveness to IL-8 but not to fMLP, suggesting that CF PMNs may be “primed” to IL-8 which is significantly increased in CF serum compared with non-CF serum. Treatment with erythromycin had no significant effect on PMN migration in vitro.
