Interaction between leukocytes and erythrocytes in the human retina: Effects of pentoxifylline on hyperoxia-induced vasoconstriction during increased neutrophil counts

•PTX does not reverse effects of increased WBC on retinal blood flow regulation•PTX not altering retinal O2-reactivity during vasoconstriction and leukocytosis•PTX: blood flow not affected by leukocytosis or leukocytosis and vasoconstriction

PurposePentoxifylline, a nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, shows vasodilator effects in certain vascular beds and reduces blood viscosity. We have previously shown that under states of vasoconstriction an interaction between circulating erythrocytes and leukocytes may play a role in the control of blood flow. The reason for this observation is not entirely clear but may be related to a mechanical interaction between red and white blood cells. In the present study we hypothesized that pentoxifylline may alter this interaction during oxygen-induced vasoconstriction.Methods24 healthy male subjects participated in this double masked, randomized, placebo-controlled 2 way cross over trail. In order to increase white blood cell count (WBC) count, 300 μg of G-CSF was administered intravenously. Vasoconstriction of retinal vessels was induced by oxygen inhalation. 400 mg of pentoxifylline or placebo was infused at two different study days. White blood cell flux was assessed with the blue-field entoptic technique. Vessel calibers were measured with a dynamic vessel analyzer (DVA) and red blood cell velocity (RBCV) was determined with laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). Retinal blood flow was calculated based on retinal vessel diameters and RBCV.ResultsAdministration of G-CSF induced a significant increase in WBC, both in the placebo and the pentoxifylline group (p < 0.01 for both groups). Retinal vessel diameter, RBCV, calculated retinal blood flow and white blood cell flow were not altered by administration of pentoxifylline. Hyperoxia induced a pronounced decrease in retinal blood flow parameters. No difference was observed between groups during oxygen breathing in vessel diameters (p = 0.54), RBCV (p = 0.34), calculated retinal blood flow (p = 0.3) and white blood cell flow (p = 0.26).ConclusionOur data indicate that short time administration of pentoxifylline does not alter the oxygen-induced effect on ocular blood flow parameters during leukocytosis. Whether long-term treatment could improve retinal blood flow under states of vasoconstriction remains to be investigated.