CHRONIC PSEUDOMONAS-AERUGINOSA ENDOBRONCHITIS IN RHESUS-MONKEYS .1. EFFECT OF PENTOXIFYLLINE ON NEUTROPHIL INFLUX

Host defense abnormalities in cystic fibrosis (CF) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) lead to excessive neutrophil influx into the infected lungs, resulting in pulmonary complications. We have developed a rhes us monkey model of chronic PA endobronchitis by intrabronchial instill ation of PA-embedded agar beads, utilizing flexible fiberoptic broncho scopy. Treatment of infected monkeys with pentoxifylline suppressed ne utrophil influx and ameliorated pulmonary damage. The results suggest a method by which neutrophil influx and pulmonary damage in CF patient s can be managed or prevented.