The pulmonary release of TNF-α was reduced by LNZ in both SB and MV rabbits, as was the bacterial burden. It remains unclear as to what extent the anti-inflammatory properties of LNZ per se contributed to such a decrease in this key mediator. Actually, experimental studies have shown that LNZ was able to reduce pulmonary inflammation in mice with MRSA pneumonia, in terms of MIP-2 concentrations, thus limiting in turn PMN recruitment and lung injury . In addition, since high levels of IL-8 were still reached despite LNZ therapy, the net effect on lung inflammation is uncertain. Thus, no positive beneficial effect on tissue injury was found.