Iloprost and pentoxifylline attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle in rabbit model

BACKGROUND We investigated the effects of iloprost and pentoxifylline on skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rabbit model. METHODS Forty New Zealand white rabbits were grouped into four. In Group 1, iloprost was continuously infused starting half an hour before the reperfusion following a 2-hour ischemia formed by abdominal aortic occlusion, and it was continued during the 4-hour reperfusion period. Group 2 was treated with pentoxifylline, and Group 3 received saline solution. Group 4 was the sham group. Malondialdehyde levels and edema scores in gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated. RESULTS Edema score was significantly lower in Group I when compared with the control group (Group I vs Group 3, p=0.040; Group 2 vs Group 3, p=0.145; Group 1 vs Group 2, p=0.580). Malondialdehyde levels of the medicated groups were significantly lower when compared with the control group (Group 1: 60 +/- 11 nmol/g tissue, Group 2: 74 +/- 11 nmol/g tissue, Group 3: 95 +/- 10 nmol/g tissue; Group I vs Group 2, p=0.010; Group 1 vs Group 3, p<0.001; Group 2 vs Group 3, p<0.001; Group 1 vs Group 4, p<0.001; Group 2 vs Group 4, p<0.001; Group 3 vs Group 4: p<0.001). CONCLUSION Acute skeletal muscle ischemia is a common problem. We are of the opinion that in the early phase of skeletal muscle ischemia, iloprost and pentoxifylline medication may reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury.