Lab Anim Res.  2012 Sep;28(3):209-215. 10.5625/lar.2012.28.3.209.

Evaluating the effects of pentoxifylline administration on experimental pressure sores in rats by biomechanical examinations

• Velaei K
• Bayat M
• Torkman G
• Rezaie F
• Amini A
• Noruzian M
• Tavassol A
• Bayat M

• KMID: 1436727
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5625/lar.2012.28.3.209

Abstract

This study used a biomechanical test to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline administration on the wound healing process of an experimental pressure sore induced in rats. Under general anesthesia and sterile conditions, experimental pressure sores generated by no. 25 Halsted mosquito forceps were inflicted on 12 adult male rats. Pentoxifylline was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg daily from the day the pressure sore was generated, for a period of 20 days. At the end of 20 days, rats were sacrificed and skin samples extracted. Samples were biomechanically examined by a material testing instrument for maximum stress (N mm2), work up to maximum force (N), and elastic stiffness (N/mm). In the experimental group, maximum stress (2.05+/-0.15) and work up to maximum force (N/mm) (63.75+/-4.97) were significantly higher than the control group (1.3+/-0.27 and 43.3+/-14.96, P=0.002 and P=0.035, respectively). Pentoxifylline administration significantly accelerated the wound healing process in experimental rats with pressure sores, compared to that of the control group.

Keyword

Experimental model of pressure sore; rat; biomechanical test; pentoxifylline

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anesthesia, General
Animals
Culicidae
Humans
Male
Pentoxifylline
Pressure Ulcer
Rats
Skin
Surgical Instruments
Wound Healing
Pentoxifylline

Figure

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  Figure 1 Creation of the experimental pressure sore using no. 20 Halsted mosquito forceps in the rat's skin.

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  Figure 2 Histological view of an experimental pressure sore caused by maximum pressure generated with no. 20 Halsted mosquito forceps. Location of the wound is noted by stars. Hematoxylin and eosin stain.

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  Figure 3 Curve of the stress-strain obtained by the tensiometry test in experimental and control groups, A: Elastic stiffness, B: Maximum force, C: Work up to maximum force. Magnification 10×10.

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  Figure 4 Mean±SD of work up to maximum force in the control and experimental groups, compared by student's t-test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the studied groups (P=0.035).

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  Figure 5 Mean±SD of maximum stress in the control and experimental groups compared by student's t-test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the studied groups (P=0.002).

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  Figure 6 Mean±SD of elastic stiffness of the samples in the control and experimental groups, compared by the student's t-test. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the studied groups (P=0.058).

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