INTERLEUKIN-10 AND PENTOXIFYLLINE INHIBIT C-REACTIVE PROTEIN-INDUCED TISSUE FACTOR GENE-EXPRESSION IN PERIPHERAL HUMAN BLOOD MONOCYTES

Fibrin deposition is an integral feature of the inflammatory response. In response to C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute-phase reactant, blo od monocytes synthesize and express tissue factor (TF), the main initi ator of blood coagulation. We report the inhibitory effect of interleu kin 10 (IL-10) and that of pentoxifylline, a methyl xanthine derivativ e, on monocyte expression of TF activity, TF protein and TF mRNA in re sponse to CRP. These agents may be of use in diseases where a TF-induc ed prothrombotic state is detrimental.