Cancer Applications
HERG (Human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene) may serve as a molecular marker and modulating target for individualized cancer therapy. Erythromycin, active as modulator and a HERG K+ channel blocker, suppressed the growth of various cancer cells and the potency was correlated with HERG expression levels. Erythromycin also enhanced the G2/M arrest induced by vincristine in HT-29 cells. (Chen et al, 2005).
Eukaryotic Cell Culture Applications
There is growing evidence that Erythromycin has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to ameliorate airway inflammation. Using adult human T-cell leukemic cell line (Jurkat; clone E6-1), researchers found that the erythromycin could inhibit cytokine gene expression (specifically IL-8 gene) in T-cells and this mechanism is at the level of transcriptional regulation (Aoki and Kao, 1999).
Erythromycin A is a potent stimulator of gastrointestinal motor activity. In vitro studies suggest that it mimics motilin, a peptide that stimulates motor activity in human and in rabbit via smooth muscle receptors (Peeters et al, 1989).
The anti-inflammatory action of Erythromycin was evaluated by looking at isolated neutrophils from human blood. When erythromycin was applied, it shortened neutrophil survival in a dose-dependent way, with maximum effect at 10 mg/ml and above. It shortens neutrophil survival in part through elevating cAMP (cyclic AMP) levels. The result was accelerated apoptosis. Apoptosis may limit tissue injury by marking senescent neutrophils for phagocytosis and degradation by macrophages and by inhibiting the capacity of neutrophils to make injurious responses to inflammatory mediators (Aoshiba et al, 1995).
Microbiology Applications
Erythromycin is commonly used in clinical in vitro microbiological antimicrobial susceptibility tests (panels, discs, and MIC strips) against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and Mycoplasma species. Medical microbiologists use AST results to recommend antibiotic treatment options for infected patients. Representative MIC values include:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae 0.0019 µg/mL – 0.0078 µg/mL
- Legionella pneumophila 0.008 µg/mL – 1 µg/mL
- For a complete list of erythromycin MIC values, click here.
Plant Biology Applications
Erythromycin has been used in combination with nystatin and streptomycin for eliminating contaminants in rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) tissue culture (Leiffert et al.) (1991).