Effect of Antibiotics on the Phagocytic Activity of the Reticulo-Endothelial System

Abstract

IT was shown by Nicol and his co-workers^1,2 that œstrogens, both natural and synthetic, stimulate the phagocytic activity of the reticulo-endothelial system, while cortisone depresses phagocytosis, and also the total and differential white cell counts in the blood and the gamma-globulin level in the serum. On the other hand, if cortisone treatment is stopped, the depressant action of the cortisone can be reversed and converted into one of moderate stimulation by diethyl stilbœstrol; and, further, if cortisone and diethyl stilbœstrol are administered separately but at the same time, the depressant action of the cortisone is prevented and considerable stimulation of phagocytic activity occurs³. According to Florey⁴ it is possible that some chemotherapeutic agents depend for their complete effectiveness on the action of phagocytes; he also states that in acute infections the organisms are generally killed or inhibited by the use of chemotherapeutic drugs.