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Pentoxifylline prevents murine cerebral malaria
P G Kremsner1, H Grundmann, S Neifer
1Landesinstitut für Tropenmedizin Berlin, Germany.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Pentoxifylline prevented cerebral malaria (CM) in mice by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This suggests pentoxifylline may be a potential supportive treatment for human CM.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe complication of Plasmodium infection.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a critical role in CM pathogenesis.
- Pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine with known anti-inflammatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of pentoxifylline in preventing CM in a mouse model.
- To investigate the effect of pentoxifylline on TNF production during malaria infection.
Main Methods:
- Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in CBA/Ca mice.
- Daily intraperitoneal administration of pentoxifylline.
- Monitoring for CM development and survival.
- Measurement of serum TNF bioactivity and TNF mRNA expression.
Main Results:
- Control mice developed CM and died, while pentoxifylline-treated mice did not develop CM.
- Pentoxifylline treatment significantly reduced serum TNF bioactivity.
- In vitro studies confirmed pentoxifylline inhibits TNF synthesis at the transcriptional level.
Conclusions:
- Pentoxifylline effectively prevents CM in a mouse model.
- Inhibition of TNF production is a key mechanism of pentoxifylline's protective effect.
- Pentoxifylline shows potential as a supportive therapy for human CM.