Fe. Johnson et al., EFFECT OF CHRONIC ORAL PENTOXIFYLLINE ADMINISTRATION ON MURINE ERYTHROCYTE DEFORMABILITY, The Journal of surgical research, 63(2), 1996, pp. 387-392
Background: Pentoxifylline has been reported to increase radiation sen
sitivity in vivo. We sought to evaluate whether this effect is mediate
d by changes in murine erythrocyte flexibility. Methods: Pentoxifyllin
e was administered via liquid or solid diet to young adult male CF-1 m
ice for 1-6 weeks. After 1, 3, and 6 weeks of drug administration, pla
sma levels of pentoxifylline and major derivatives were measured and e
rythrocyte deformability was assessed by rheoscopy, a technique which
permits direct measurement of individual cellular dimensions. Results:
Contrary to prior reports, we found no discernible effect of the drug
on erythrocyte deformability. Conclusions: The beneficial effect of p
entoxifylline administration on radiation sensitivity in tumor-bearing
mice is mediated by other mechanisms. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.