Pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative, prevents postsurgical adhesion reformation in rabbits

Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated pentoxifylline to be a potent inhibitor of primary post-traumatic adhesion formation in a rodent model. To evaluate pentoxifylline in a situation more closely mimicking the events encountered in infertility surgery, we developed a model for adhesion reformation after lysis of pelvic adhesions. New Zealand White rabbits received a standardized primary traumatic lesion to the left uterine horn. One week later, a laparotomy was performed for evaluation (prescore) and subsequent lysis of adhesions. After closure, the animals were randomized to treatment with vehicle or subcutaneous pentoxifylline, 2.5 mg/kg, administered at 12-hour intervals for six doses. Seven days later, the rabbits were sacrificed and evaluated in a blinded manner to quantify adhesion reformation (postscore). Using a scoring scale from 0 = no adhesions to 4+ = most severe, the mean prescore was not different between pentoxifylline-treated and control rabbits (3.8 versus 3.9, respectively). However, the mean postscore (0.7 versus 3.7, respectively) was markedly reduced by pentoxifylline (P less than .001). These data demonstrate a marked inhibition of adhesion reformation after lysis of pelvic adhesions under the influence of pentoxifylline in rabbits.