EFFECTS OF PENTOXIFYLLINE ON HEMODYNAMICS, GAS-EXCHANGE AND MULTIPLE ORGAN PLATELET SEQUESTRATION IN EXPERIMENTAL ENDOTOXIC-SHOCK

In an intensive care setting we studied the effects of pentoxifylline on hemodynamics, gas-exchange and platelet sequestration in multiple o rgans in three groups of sheep exposed to endotoxin shock (n=7 in each ). Group P-E was given pentoxifylline before and group E-P after E. co li endotoxin infusion, while group E received normal saline (controls) . The endotoxin infusion caused a three-fold increase in pulmonary art ery pressure (PAP) and a significant decrease in mean arterial pressur e (25-30%; MAP), respiratory compliance (C(T); 60%) and arterial oxyge n tension (65-70%; PaO2) in all groups after 30 min. After 4 h MAP had improved significantly in the pretreated animals (group P-E) and arte rial pH, PaO2 and C(T) improved in both pentoxifylline-treated groups compared with the controls. On the other hand, the effects of endotoxi n on PAP and cardiac index were not significantly influenced by pentox ifylline treatment. In addition, there was a pronounced platelet seque stration in the lungs and in the liver in groups E and E-P during the 4 h study, but in the pretreated group (group P-E) the changes were si gnificantly less marked (P<0.01). The wet-to-dry weight ratios of the lungs were significantly lower in both pentoxifylline-treated groups c ompared with the controls (P<0.01). It was concluded that pentoxifylli ne modified the effects of endotoxin on hemodynamics, gas exchange and platelet sequestration in the lungs and liver in sheep when it was gi ven prior to endotoxin. However. when it was given after hemodynamic a nd respiratory signs of shock had appeared. the effects were more mode rate.