Effects of sildenafil citrate on survival in the posterior leg replantation model

Abstract

Aim: Sildenafil citrate is a phosphodiesterase (POE) enzyme inhibitor and a vasodilator agent Its angioprotective and angiogenetic effects are widely known. The aim of this study was to Investigate the effects of sildenafil citrate on survival of ischemic rat hind leg amputation after replantation. Material and Method: Sprague-Dawley female rats were used in the study. The survival effects of sildenafil citrate were investigated in the first phase of the study. For this purpose, ischemic rat hind leg replantation was performed on control and study groups and 10 mg/kg/day sildenafil citrate was administered to study groups for 7 days in the postoperative period. In the second phase, the tissue-level effects of sildenafil citrate were investigated. Tissue samples were taken from gastrocnemius muscle and femoral vein and they histologically analyzed. Mg-1 and VEGF immunohistochemical stains were applied to vein tissue, whereas PCNA immunohistochemical stains were applied to muscle tissue. Blood samples were analyzed for catalase. Results and Discussion: It was observed that sildenafil citrate macroscopically and significantly increased survival after hind leg replantation. It reduced necrosis. It also reduced endothelium damage and increased antioxidant activity.