Effect of pentoxifylline, flunixin meglumine, and their combination on a model of endotoxemia in horses.

The research studied the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX), flunixin meglumine (FM), and their combination (FM/PTX) in a model of equine endotoxemia, a disease that affects horses. The study concluded that the combined use of FM/PTX in treating equine endotoxemia may offset deleterious hemodynamic effects more effectively than using either FM or PTX alone.

Research Methodology

• A total of 24 healthy horses aged 2 to 15 years participated in the study.
• These horses were divided into four groups, each containing six horses. These groups each received a dose of Escherichia coli O55:B5 endotoxin, and one of FM, PTX, FM/PTX, or a saline solution (ENDO).
• The drugs were administered 15 minutes before and 8 hours after endotoxin infusions.
• Over a 24 hour period, clinical and hematologic variables were measured and observed.

Results of the Research

• Compared to the ENDO group, horses receiving FM prior to endotoxin displayed significantly lowered TxB2, 6-keto-PGF1, pulse and rectal temperature concentrations, and attitude scores.
• Those given PTX showed a significant increase in 6-keto-PGF1 concentration at 1.5 hours and significantly lowered PAI-1 activity at 12 hours. However, the activities of Tumor necrosis factor and IL-6 in horses receiving PTX alone did not differ significantly from those given the saline solution.
• The combination of FM/PTX produced similar effects to FM alone on changes induced by endotoxins in temperature and TxB2 concentration. It yielded a significantly lower 6-keto-PGF1 concentration than horses in the ENDO group after 1 hour.
• Horses in the FM and FM/PTX groups had significantly higher IL-6 activity at 1.5 and 2 hours than those in the PTX and ENDO groups and significantly lower WBC count.

Conclusion of the Study

• The study concluded that using a combination of FM and PTX may help to better offset the adverse hemodynamic effects of endotoxin compared to the use of either FM or PTX alone.
• This finding indicates potential for more effective treatment options for equine endotoxemia, a potentially fatal condition in horses.