THE EFFECT OF KETOCONAZOLE ON PULMONARY PATHOLOGY ASSOCIATED WITH DEAD DIROFILARIA-IMMITIS

The involvement of thromboxane and lipoxygenase in the regulation of p ulmonary lesions and immune responses was investigated in dogs given k etoconazole and exposed to dead adult Dirofiliara immitis. Immunopatho logical reactions to the dead filariae were monitored by light and tra nsmission electron microscopy and serology. When compared with control tissues, ketoconazole administration enhanced the level of pulmonary haemorrhage and early parenchymal fibrosis associated with dead adult filariae. Ultrastructurally, alveolar capillaries were filled with ery throcyte aggregations and proteinaceous material. These results sugges ted that an intact thromboxane and lipoxygenase pathway within the ara chidonic acid system is necessary to minimize the effect of dead D. im mitis in this pulmonary artery model.