Enhanced efficacy of a liposomal pentamidine preparation in Pneumocystis carinii in an ex vivo/in vitro culture model without feederlayer cells.
The effects of pentamidine isethionate, phosphatidylcholine-liposomes (PPC-lip) and combinations of both on the survival of Pneumocystis carinii trophozoites in a culture system without feederlayer cells were quantified. Pentamidine or PPC-lip alone reduced significantly the number of cells, with a clear dose dependence. Combinations of both drugs showed overadditive effects on cell counts reduction. Additional EM-investigations showed a rapid destruction of cell structures especially with the pentamidine/phospholipids-combinations. Our results could justify clinical tests with these combinations in AIDS patients in order to reduce the pentamidine dose, reduce local side effects with inhaled pentamidine while at least maintaining efficacy.
Sahm
M
M
Institut für Medizinische Parasitologie der Universität, Bonn.
Wingen
F
F
Hager
J
J
Seitz
H M
HM
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008081:Liposomes; D010419:Pentamidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011010:Pneumocystis / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D011923:Rats, Nude
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D008081:Liposomes; D010419:Pentamidine