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Evaluation was carried out on the action of different antibiotics on the release of cytokines. Experiments were done in vitro on monocytes and on human lymphocytes. Results show that the majority of the antibiotics tested are able to induce the release of one or more cytokines from their respective producing cells. Among the β-lactams the most active were the cephalosporins (cephalexin, cefamandol, ceftazidin, and a sulbactam-ampxcillin combination) in inducing the release of TNF, IL-1α and IL-6 from monocytes, and releasing IL-4 and IFN-τ from lymphocytes. The sulbactam-ampicillin combination and cefamandole were extremely active in the production of IFN-τ. Among the lincosamides, clindamycine notably stimulated the release of TNF and IL-6, while lincomycine induced a notable increment of IL-4 from monocytes. Teicoplanin is a very strong inducer of TNF, IL-1α and IL-6.

Studies were carried out on the ability of some anesthetic agents (Propofol, Dormicum, Ketalar and Penthotal) to induce the release of cytokines by human monocytes and lymphocytes in vitro. All anesthetic agents tested at hematic concentrations reached during anesthetic administration cause an increase in the production of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) from human monocytes; the increase is 4-5 times greater than controls. The greatest Interleukin - 1α (IL-1α) production increase was induced by Propofol. The release of Interleukin -6 (IL-6) is notably increased by Ketalar (about 10 times greater than controls). In the presence of different anesthetic agents, human lymphocytes release Interleukin -4 (IL-4) and Interferon γ- (IFN-γ). Penthotal and Ketalar increase IL-4 production which appears quite high compared to that obtained with Con A used as standard challenge. Propofol induce IL-4 release which is about the same as that seen with Con A. IFN-γ is released in high quantities by lymphocytes treated with Propofol. Dormicum, Ketalar and Penthotal induce non-significant increase of IFN-γ release. The results concern the choice of anesthetic, in relation to its action on host immune response. This aspect is particularly interesting in immunocompromised host.