[The effect of pentoxifylline on the degree of lung parenchyma injury after papain].

In the last years pentoxifylline (PTXF) has been successfully used in reducing acute injury of the lung parenchyma in ARDS. The authors have studied the effect of PTXF on degree of papain induced lung injury. Papain was administered intratracheally in a dose of 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg in 1 ml of PBS. The effect of papain on bronchoalveolar lavage characteristics was also evaluated. Wistar rats of both sexes were used in the experiment. The degree of lung destruction, reflected by interstitial hemorrhage was assessed by measuring hemoglobin content in the fluid of the lavaged lungs. The hemoglobin levels were assessed spectrofluorometrically with the use of the 414 nm wave length. A reduction of hemoglobin content was seen after PTXF administration only in animals receiving the lowest dosage of papain. However in all animals a decrease in the BAL neutrophil count was demonstrated. The protective effect of PTXF on pulmonary tissue in papain induced injury models and situations leading to development of ARDS may suggest a similar pathomechanism in both entities.