Effect of Tetracycline on the Phagocytic Function of Human Leukocytes

Abstract

The effect of tetracyclines on phagocytosis by human neutrophils was studied. Human leukocytes incubated with tetracycline hydrochloride or doxycycline in vitro showed a decreased capacity to phagocytize yeast and bacteria. Furthermore, leukocytes harvested from healthy volunteers after ingestion of tetracycline also demonstrated decreased phagocytic capacity for yeast.