Effects of pentoxifylline in endotoxinemia in human volunteers

The following effects of pentoxifylline in endotoxinemia in man could be demonstrated: 1. Il-6 release and Il-6 mediated effects such as clinical responses and leukocytosis are not inhibited by POF treatment. 2. TNF-alpha release is suppressed which might be the most important result, because TNF seems to play the major role in the pathophysiological events of endotoxinemia. Furthermore, pentoxifylline is able to counteract the initial leukocytopenia caused by sticking of leukocytes in the microcirculation. 3. De-novo-synthesis of cytokines by monocytes ex vivo is totally abolished. This may possibly reflect the in vivo situation. In conclusion, beneficial effects of pentoxifylline in respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure and septic shock are suggested. Furthermore, our data indicate that endotoxin-induced formation of Il-6 and TNF-alpha are regulated independently in vivo.