Background
Studies have shown that pentoxifylline (PTX) in addition to protective effects on blood vessels probably has positive influence against the brain inflammation. Therefore, the
Conclusions
The results showed that LPS-induced inflammation decreased the serum levels of IL-10. PTX could prevent these decreases only in mild inflammation. Both PTX and LPS-induced inflammation had no significant effects on learning and memory; therefore, their effects on CNS require further study.
Methods
Inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of LPS (0.5 and 5 mg/kg) in male Wistar rats. After a week, PTX (25 mg/kg; i.p.) was injected for 14 days. Passive avoidance learning test was used for evaluation of learning and memory. Serum levels of cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
The behavioral results did not show any significant effect of LPS and PTX on learning and memory. Both doses of LPS (0.5 and 5 mg/kg) decreased IL-10 significantly (P < 0.05). PTX prevented this reduction just in the LPS 0.5 mg/kg + PTX 25 mg/kg group. Serum level of IFN-γ was increased only in the LPS 0.5 mg/kg + PTX 25 mg/kg group comparing to the LPS 0.5 mg/kg group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results showed that LPS-induced inflammation decreased the serum levels of IL-10. PTX could prevent these decreases only in mild inflammation. Both PTX and LPS-induced inflammation had no significant effects on learning and memory; therefore, their effects on CNS require further study.