cefotaxime and Hypertrophy

The in vivo potency of cefodizime (HR 221), tiprotimod (a new synthetic thiazole derivative of HR 221, HBW 538) and cefotaxime to modulate the initiation of immune response in the draining lymph node (LN) after subcutaneous injection of SRBC was evaluated. The timing and sequence of events in the regional LN was investigated by immunophenotypization of node cells with monoclonal antibodies, and the systemic reaction was estimated as primary antibody response to SRBC. From the results it is possible to conclude that: (1) subcutaneous administration of a small dose (2.5-3.0 mg/kg) of cephalosporins, together with antigen, enhanced primary antibody production and persistence; (2) the increase in serum antibodies was preceded by a change in percentage of L3T4+ cells within the regional (popliteal) lymph node. In comparison to antigen alone, cephalosporins (during early immune response) increased the percentage of L3T4+ cells; (3) LN cellularity was strongly enhanced by cephalosporins; (4) cefotaxime influenced the kinetics of the cellularity and the L3T4/Lyt-2 index differently than cefodizime and HBW 538. HBW 538 had either a similar or stronger effect than cefodizime, as judged by the adjuvant effect on antibody production and the appearance of L3T4+ cells during the immunizing period.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibody Formation; Antigens; Cefotaxime; Cephalosporins; Erythrocytes; Female; Hypertrophy; Immunophenotyping; Isoantibodies; Lymph Nodes; Mice; Mice, Inbred CBA; Time Factors

Six-month chronic subcutaneous toxicity study of cefodizime sodium (THR-221) in rats was carried out with dose levels of 3000, 1000, 300 and 100 mg/kg/day. The systemic change observed was slightly decreased spontaneous activity, which appeared only in a very few animals. At the injection site of the animals at 1000 and 3000 mg/kg/day, various cutaneous changes (subcutaneous retention of fluid, incrustation, loss of hair and perforation) were observed. The body weight gains of the males at 1000 and 3000 mg/kg/day were depressed from 1 month of administration onward, but the food consumption was not affected in any group. The water intakes at 1000 and 3000 mg/kg/day were increased. Hematological findings were signs of anemia, a slight decrease in red blood cell count or increases in platelet and/or reticulocyte counts in all THR-221 groups. At 3000 mg/kg/day, increases in white blood cell and neutrophil counts and a decrease in lymphocyte count were also observed. Plasma chemistry revealed decreases in total protein amount and, albumin (A) or globulin (G) amounts, and a decrease or increase in A/G ratio in all compound groups. Autopsy revealed dilation of the cecum and hematoma, dark red spots and yellowish brown spots in the subcutaneous tissue at the injection site in all THR-221 groups. Hypertrophy of the spleen was also noted at 300-3000 mg/kg/day. Changes in organ weights were a decrease in liver weight in all compound groups and an increase in spleen weight at 3000 mg/kg/day. Microscopically, the following were observed: brown granules or hyaline droplets in the epithelium of renal tubules; hemorrhage and inflammatory changes in the subcutaneous tissue at the injection site; and an increased number of lymphocytes or granulocytes in the spleen and bone marrow. Urinalysis and ocular and auditory tests showed no changes related to THR-221. From the present results, the toxicologically non-effective doses of THR-221 are considered to be 300 mg/kg/day for male rats and more than 1000 mg/kg/day for female rats.

Topics: Anemia; Animals; Blood Cell Count; Bone Marrow; Cecum; Cefotaxime; Epithelium; Female; Hypertrophy; Injections, Subcutaneous; Kidney Tubules; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Serum Albumin; Serum Globulins; Skin; Spleen; Weight Gain