Pentoxifylline: its influence on the interaction of blood cells with the vessel wall

PTX counteracts the increased microvessel permeability which is a feature of the inflammatory aspect of atherogenesis. Furthermore, PTX inhibits oxLDL-induced leukocyte adhesion and, via its positive influence over fibrinolysis and anti-aggregatory factors (e.g. prostacyclin), inhibits thrombus formation. PTX thereby preserves the integrity of the walls of the microcirculatory blood vessels, while reducing the likelihood of thrombosis and its potentially life-threatening sequelae.