Differential effects of pentoxifylline, a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on the production of IL-10, IL-12 p40 and p35 subunits by murine peritoneal macrophages

Pentoxifylline inhibits the synthesis and IFN-γ-inducing activity of IL-18

“…Interestingly, LPS-induced IL-12 p40 synthesis in our experiments was unaffected, or even slightly enhanced by PTX in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Similarly, Marcinkiewicz et al recently reported that PTX can potentiate in vitro production of IL-12 p40 subunit in murine macrophages [36]. In the same study, PTX inhibited the expression of p35 chain of IL-12 [36], as described previously by Moller et al in human blood mononuclear cells [37].…”

“…Similarly, Marcinkiewicz et al recently reported that PTX can potentiate in vitro production of IL-12 p40 subunit in murine macrophages [36]. In the same study, PTX inhibited the expression of p35 chain of IL-12 [36], as described previously by Moller et al in human blood mononuclear cells [37]. Accordingly, the production of functional IL-12 heterodimer p70 was blocked by PTX in both human monocytes and mouse macrophages in vitro, as well as in the blood of SEB-challenged mice [37,38].…”

Effects of pentoxifylline on inflammatory markers and blood pressure

“…Specific inhibitors of this isoenzyme are being developed for use in the treatment of a wide range of disease states with an inflammatory component, including dermatological, neurological and respiratory conditions [38,[41][42][43][44][45][46]. With respect to the reduction in TNF-α by pentoxifylline observed in this study, Shaw [11] has comprehensively reviewed the potential mechanisms which include: Suppression of TNF-α gene transcription by pentoxifylline [47], attenuation of the response of TNF-α to endotoxin [48], and attenuation of Interleukin-2, a cytokine which stimulates TNF-α production [6], Primarily used to treat peripheral arterial disease patients due to the improved circulation obtained through its ability to alter erythrocyte deformability, pentoxifylline also enhances capillary microcirculation [2,11]. We examined the potential of this methylxanthine derivate as a blood pressure (BP) lowering agent in a range of studies, including those that reported its effects in hypertensive patients [20,27] .…”

“…Pentoxifylline increases erythrocyte flexibility, reduces blood viscosity, increases microcirculatory flow and tissue perfusion and decreases the potential for platelet aggregation and thrombus formation [3,4]. It has been reported that pentoxifylline might also influence the function of immune cells and the production of cytokines [5,6]. Interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are proinflammatory cytokines involved in inflammatory diseases in humans including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, graft-vs-host disease and many others.…”

Pentoxifylline Prevents Spontaneous Brain Ischemia in Stroke-Prone Rats

“…This newly described pharmacological effect can be ascribed to an inhibition of the functional responses of circulating mononuclear phagocytes, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes and the decreased synthesis of several proinflammatory cytokines (Dong et al, 1997;Neuner et al, 1997;Marcinkiewicz et al, 2000;Bahra et al, 2001;Laurat et al, 2001;Samardzic et al, 2001). Studies of the anti-inflammatory effects of PTX in vivo have focused attention on tissue injury after ischemia.…”