Effects of cilostazol lotion on blood flow in rabbit skin

Cilostazol (Cls) is a inhibitor of phosphodiesterase and increases cyclic AMP (cAMP) in platelets and also raises the vascular smooth muscle cell cAMP level causing vasodilation. Therefore, it was expected to increase local blood flow in the skin. Topical application of Cls may improve local blood flow without systemic effects in clinical situations. In this paper the effect of Cls lotion on skin blood flow was assessed in animal experiments. Application of this lotion allowed skin blood flow to remain at increased levels for about 60-90 min. Tissue assay of the Cls content revealed that Cls is absorbed percutaneously and retained, even in the inner tissue layer, for at least 180 min.