Effects of pentoxifylline and vitamin E on the bilateral ovary after experimental ovarian ischemia

Pentoxifylline (PTX) and vitamin E inhibit the release of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, and PTX improves capillary flow and tissue oxygenation. This experimental study was designed to determine the effects of PTX and vitamin E in the ovary after unilateral ovarian ischemia reperfusion (I-R) in albino Wistar rats. A vascular clamp was placed on the left ovary for 4 hours in all groups except for the control group. Following this, in the ischemia (I) group bilateral ovariectomy was performed. Saline, PTX, vitamin E, and PTX plus vitamin E were infused 30 min before reperfusion in the reperfusion (R), pentoxifylline (P), vitamin E (E), and pentoxifylline plus vitamin E (PE) groups, respectively. After 4 hours of reperfusion, the ovaries were removed for biochemical and histologic examination. MDA levels of bilateral ovaries in the PE group were significantly lower than in the E group (p < 0.0033). NO levels of bilateral ovaries in the PE group were significantly lower than in the P and E groups (p < 0.0033). Massive hemorrhage was determined in the ipsilateral ovaries of the R group. Hemorrhage was minimal or moderate in the ipsilateral ovaries of other groups. The contralateral ovaries showed congestion in different degrees. The contralateral ovaries of the group PE and the bilateral ovaries of the control group showed no pathological changes. PTX and vitamin E given together seems to be more effective in reducing I-R injury in ovarian tissue compared to administration of PTX, or vitamin E alone. However, further studies are required to evaluate the effective dose and duration of PTX and vitamin E on bilateral ovaries.