Objective: To investigate the effects of drugs known to elevate adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) on experimental amyloidosis.
Methods: A beta 2-agonist, terbutaline, and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, aminophylline, were administered in combination in a mouse model of amyloidosis induced by inflammatory stimulation with silver nitrate. Amyloidosis was quantitated by radioimmunoassay for splenic amyloid A (AA) protein.
Results: At the doses selected, aminophylline/terbutaline inhibited splenic amyloid deposition more potently than did colchicine, a known inhibitor of amyloidosis.
Conclusion: Drugs known to elevate cAMP inhibit experimental mouse AA amyloidosis.