Modulation of host immune responses by metronidazole
Saxena, A.; Chugh, S.; Vinayak, V.K.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 81: 387-390
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 4018866 Document Number: 257229
The effect of metronidazole on the immune apparatus of drug recipients was studied. Wistar rats were given metronidazole daily for 7 days and thereafter injected with a T-cell dependent antigen (sheep red blood cell). The immune response of untreated and drug-treated groups of animals to the antigen was evaluated by means of hemagglutination, T and B cell counts and leukocyte migration inhibition tests at weekly intervals, after the drug treatment was withdrawn. Metronidazole exerted an immunosuppressive effect on the recipients. This effect was well marked during the 1st wk post-treatment, and gradually returned to normal levels by the end of 2nd wk post-treatment. A judicious use of metronidazole has been recommended.