Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11;9(1):384 (abstract no. PO-B10-1493). Unique
Drug efficiency studies were performed with pentamidine isethionate and
phosphatidylcholine-liposomes (PCC-lip), a new formula manufactured by
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer. Both drugs were tested individually or in
combination in a system of Pneumocystis carinii culture without a
feedercell layer, using a modification of TEGOSHI's medium (1989). The
source of P. carinii were nude rats, which develop spontaneously
Pneumocystis pneumonia. The number of trophozoites of P. carinii was
used as the criterium for growth and drug effects. The results show a
rapid decrease of parasites in cultures with PPC and pentamidine
(Pentacarinat), while trophozoites in control cultures were well
preserved for up to five days. The survival of the parasites is
dose-dependent. If the concentration of PPC is reduced the trophozoites
stay intact for a longer time. The combination of pentamidine and
PPC-lip was more effective than each drug alone. Already after 24 hours
of culture the combination of PPC-lip (0.1 mg/ml) and pentamidine 0.015
mg/ml) reduces the number of trophozoites to 20% compared to control
cultures. The results were confirmed by electron microscopy.
*Pentamidine/TOXICITY *Pneumocystis carinii/DRUG EFFECTS