Clarithromycin inhibits fibroblast migration

SummaryThe aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of 14-membered ring macrolide clarithromycin (CAM) on migration induced by human plasma fibronectin (HFn) or on contraction of human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL-1).Methods and resultsUsing the blindwell chamber technique, CAM (10−5 M) inhibited the migration of HFL-1 60.2 ± 4.0% (p < 0.05). Other antibiotics, such as ampicillin, minocycline or azithromycin had no effects on HFL-1 migration. The effect of CAM was concentration dependent. HFL-1 migration, stimulated by TXA2 analog was also inhibited by CAM. Clarithromycin had no effect on HFL-1 mediated gel contraction that was another function of fibroblast at the wound area.ConclusionsClarithromycin may contribute to the regulation of the wound healing response following injury by inhibiting fibroblast migration. These results could represent the therapeutic benefits of CAM.