EFFECT OF CHRONIC ORAL PENTOXIFYLLINE ADMINISTRATION ON MURINE ERYTHROCYTE DEFORMABILITY

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.