[Effect of amphotericin B on phagocytosis and intracellular killing of E. coli by rat liver perfused in vitro: preliminary results]. / Effetto dell'anfotericina B sulla fagocitosi ed uccisione intracellulare di E coli da parte del fegato di ratto perfuso in vitro: risultati preliminari.

ABSTRACT

Using isolated and perfused rat livers we found an inhibitory effect on intracellular killing of hepatic macrophages versus E. coli, in presence of therapeutic levels of amphotericin B (5 micrograms/ml). Since an interference of this antibiotic with phagocytic functions of human neutrophils has also been reported, we suggest that amphotericin B may exert a toxic effect on intraphagocytic microbicidal function, possibly by an interaction with membrane sterols.