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Adrenomedullin, which is produced by the vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes, is considered to be a local factor controlling vascular tone, cardiac contractility, and renal sodium excretion. Hypertension is the most common cause of cardiovascular disorders and diseases. Exercise has beneficial effects on hypertension, but pathophysiological factors involved in exercise‐mediated amelioration of hypertension are yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized that adrenomedullin produced through exercise could play an essential role in the protection from hypertension. For this study rats were subjected to swimming training for six weeks (1‐h per day and five times each week). Meanwhile, hypertension was induced by the oral administration of L‐NAME (60 mg/kg). Here, we show that L‐NAME administration per se leads to a significant increase in mean arterial blood pressure. Notably, the 6‐week swimming exercise causes a protective effect from the development of hypertension. In addition, the rats rescued from hypertension have high mRNA levels of renal adrenomedullin while they have low levels of adrenomedullin mRNA in the aorta. The obtained data indicate that a 6‐week exercise intervention rescues rats from high blood pressure by leading to changes in adrenomedullin levels in the aorta and kidney. The increased expression of adrenomedullin in the aorta might have been a result that compensates for the hypertensive effect of L‐NAME. On the other hand, exercise probably exerts its protective effects on hypertension by increasing adrenomedullin in the kidney. A more extended exercise period may give more apparent results regarding the level of adrenomedullin in different organs.

Reports of the effects of calorie restriction on tumors after the tumor has developed are uncommon and limited to a few tumor types. We investigated the effects of calorie restriction on tumor growth in breast cancer after tumor growth had progressed. We used the N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU) induced breast cancer model in rats. In addition to a healthy control group (C), rats with 10 - 12 mm tumors were divided into three groups: cancer control group (CC), alternate day feeding group (ADF) and calorie restriction group (CR-50%). At the end of the experimental period the volume of tumors was decreased in the CR-50% group compared to the CC group. Serum adiponectin concentrations for the C and ADF groups were higher than for the CC group. All tumors of the CR-50% group were benign. The highest incidence of malignant and invasive tumors occurred in the CC group. A 50% calorie restriction appears to be an effective dietary intervention for advanced tumors.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible effects of acute blood loss (1% of body weight) on electrocardiogram (ECG) in male and female Swiss albino mice. Anesthesia was maintained with the ketamine-xylazine combination. The tail was cut using a scalpel blade and blood at a ratio of 1% body weight was collected in capillary tubes. ECG recording was done by using the standard lead II. P and T waves, intervals of PQ, QT, and RR, and QRS complex were measured after all ECG was recorded. The amplitude of P and QRS waves were significantly higher in males than that of females (P

Objective: NO-inhibition has no effect on blood pressure (BP) of some spontaneous hypertensive animals, but when combined with dexamethasone (DEXA), it increases BP. The study compared effects of L-NAME and/or DEXA on systemic BP of spontaneously hypertensive pregnant and non-pregnant Wistar albino rats. Method: In two simultaneous experiments 62 female rats were used. All animals were mated for 7 days. Sperm positive (n1 = 33) and negative (n2 = 29) animals were each divided randomly into 4 groups. BPs were recorded in both experiments on the 15th day from tails indirectly, and then animals were given Physiologic Saline (Controls), L-NAME (150mg/kg/day), DEXA (100µg/kgBW/day) or L-NAME+DEXA (150mg and 100-µg per kg BW/day) for consequent 5 days. At 19th day, BPs were measured again, before applications. Then, animals put into individual metabolic cages for 24-h urine collection. Thereafter, blood was collected under ether anesthesia, animals were euthanized and necropsied. Weights of animals (BWs), left kidneys, adrenal glands, and fetuses; food consumptions; 24-h urine volume; urinary proteins, blood glucose, and fetus numbers were determined. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and ANOVA for repeated measures. Results: In pregnant animals, L-NAME had higher BWs than DEXA and L-NAME+DEXA (P = 0.021 and P = 0.012, respectively). In non-pregnant animals, DEXA reduced BWs significantly compared with controls (P=0.042). Interventions influenced only the diastolic blood pressure of pregnant animals (P = 0.043). The difference between DEXA and L-NAME+DEXA was significant (P = 0.044). The effects of interventions on other variables varied according to whether animals are pregnant or not. Conclusion: L-NAME and/or DEXA did not influence BP in hypertensive rats.

The duration and intensity of exercise are significant factors in oxidative, morphological, and functional changes of the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to investigate the effects of both exhaustive swimming and probiotic VSL#3 on rats that had been previously trained with moderate swimming. The rats were divided into four groups labeled: control (C), probiotic (P), exercise (E), and probiotic–exercise (PE). Groups P and PE were fed with probiotic mixture VSL#3. Groups E and PE had a 5-week moderate swimming program (1 h/day for 5 days/week), followed by a 1-week exhaustive swimming program (trained like in moderate program but 3 times with 150 min resting sessions, for 5 days/week). At the end of the program, the rats were euthanized. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels were measured in tissue samples from the gastrocnemius muscle, heart, liver, kidney, and colon. In vitro contractile activity and histomorphology of the colon were also determined. Exercise and/or probiotic decreased the oxidative stress and also increased the level of one or more of the antioxidant enzymes in some of the organs. Probiotics had more pronounced effects on colon morphology than exercise but unexpectedly this effect was non-trophic. In the colon, the thickness of the tunica muscularis and the number of goblet cells were not affected; however, probiotic administration decreased the crypt depth and tunica mucosa thickness. Exercise increased the Emax value of acetylcholine (ACh), while decreased its sensitivity. These findings suggest that exhaustive swimming does not cause oxidative stress and that probiotic consumption improves oxidative balance in trained rats. The probiotic intake does not alter the effect of exercise on the contractile activity of the colon. Colon mucosal changes induced by probiotics are independent of exercise.

WOS: 000431511000003, PubMed ID: 29624513, Classical risk factors such as cholesterol and lipoproteins are currently not sufficient to explain all physiopathological processes of obesity-related vascular dysfunction as well as atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Therefore, the discovery of potential markers involved in vascular dysfunction in the obese state is still needed. Disturbances in hemostatic factors may be involved in the developmental processes associated with obesity-related cardiovascular disorders. We hypothesized that alterations of several hemostatic factors in the obese state could correlate with the function and morphology of the aorta and it could play an important role in the development of vascular dysfunction. To test this, we fed mice with a high-fat diet for 18 weeks and investigated the relationships between selected hemostatic factors (in either plasma or in the liver), metabolic hormones and morphology, and ex-vivo function of the aorta. Here, we show that 18-week exposure to a high-fat diet results in a higher plasma fibrinogen and prolonged prothrombin time in diet-induced obese mice compared to the controls. In addition, liver levels or activities of FII, FX, activated protein C, AT-III, and protein S are significantly different in diet-induced obese mice as compared to the controls. Curiously, FII, FVIII, FX, activated protein C, PTT, and protein S are correlated with both the aorta histology (aortic thickness and diameter) and ex-vivo aortic function. Notably, ex-vivo studies revealed that diet-induced obese mice show a marked attenuation in the functions of the aorta. Taken together, aforementioned hemostatic factors may be considered as critical markers for obesity-related vascular dysfunction and they could play important roles in diagnosing of the dysfunction., Adnan Menderes University [VTF-12006, VTF-14027], A.G.U. and M.B. designed research; C.U., A.G.U., H.U., M.A.E., E.K., M.E., H.A., F.B., and L.T. performed research; C.U., A.G.U., M.B., and L.T. analyzed data; C.U. and A.G.U. wrote the paper with comments from all of the authors. This study was supported by the grants (VTF-12006 and VTF-14027 to AGU and MB, respectively) of Adnan Menderes University. We thank Dr Murat Boyacioglu, Dr Hande Sultan Yalinkilic, Dr Omer Sevim, and Biologist Necati Gunay for technical assistance. We also gratefully thank Ms. Tze-Min Lin for correcting the English grammar mistakes of the manuscript.

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury may occur due to nephron-sparing surgery in patients with a solitary kidney or restricted renal parenchymas. Prophylactic agents do not always achieve their intended effects and may exhibit side effects. The present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effects of lycopene against hypoxia-induced renal damage.Twelve Wistar rats were used in the study. Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups of six rats each; the first group served as the control, and the second group was treated for two days with oral lycopene (4 mg/kg per day) before surgery. All Wistar rats were subjected to right nephrectomy and abdominal aorta clamping for 45 minutes to induce ischemia, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Blood samples were collected from all rats twice before surgery and 24-hours after surgery for analyses of serum urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels. Left nephrectomies were performed following reperfusion. Then histopathological scores were estimated, and malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in renal tissue samples were measured, and compared between groups.There were no significant differences between the control, and the lycopene group with respect to postischemic urea, creatinine, or potassium levels. A significant difference between the groups was observed with respect to postischemic sodium levels (p=0.028). Pathological scores were higher in the control group than in the lycopene group (p0.05). Mean tissue MDA levels in the control group were higher than in the lycopene group (p=0.055). The mean tissue GSH-Px levels were similar in the control, and lycopene groups. The mean GSH levels in the control group were higher than in the lycopene group (p0.05). The mean tissue SOD levels were similar in the control, and lycopene groups. The mean CAT levels in the control group were higher than in the lycopene group (p0.05).Lycopene may have a protective effect on the short-term biochemical and histopathological parameters following renal ischemia/perfusion injury.

Amifostine (AMI) has been used for the prevention of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in several experimental and a few clinical studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AMI on lipid peroxidation, protective enzymes, and mitoxantrone (MITO)-induced acute cardiotoxicity in the rat heart using biochemical tests and histopathological examinations.Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups (n=6 in each). Control rats were given intraperitoneal (i.p.) serum saline and AMI group rats were given 200 mg/kg AMI i.p. Rats received MITO-2.5 and 5 mg/kg i.p. in the MITO-2.5 and MITO-5 groups. AMI 200 mg/kg i.p. was administered 30 min. before the same doses of MITO in the MITO-2.5+AMI and MITO-5+AMI groups.The levels of cardiac enzymes such as creatinine phosphokinase-myocardial band and cardiac troponin T did not change. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased in MITO groups compared to controls. Catalase and glutathione (GSH) levels in the MITO and MITO+AMI groups were higher than in controls. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were not different between MITO groups and controls. There was no difference in MDA levels between MITO+AMI groups and controls. Calcium deposition was not detected. The scores of fibrosis, apoptosis, inflammation, and degeneration in MITO groups were higher than in controls. The scores of fibrosis, degeneration and inflammation in MITO+AMI groups were lower.MITO caused lipid peroxidation and myocardial damage, and the myocardium increased catalase and GSH levels to prevent this damage. AMI can protect against MITO-induced acute cardiotoxicity, decreasing myocardial damage and lipid peroxidation.AMAÇ: Amifostin (AMI) doksorubisinin yol açtığı kardiyotoksisiteden korunmada çeşitli deneysel ve bir kaç klinik çalışmada kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı Sıçan kalbindeki lipid peroksidasyonu, koruyucu enzimler ve mitoksantronun (MITO) yol açtığı akut kardiyotoksisite üzerinde AMI’nin etkilerini biyokimyasal ve histopatolojik incelemeler ile araştırmaktı. YÖNTEMLER: Her bir grupta 6 sıçan olmak üzere 36 sıçan 6 gruba bölündü. İntraperitoneal (ip) olarak kontrol grubuna serum fizyolojik ve AMI grubuna 200 mg/kg AMI verildi. MITO 2.5 ve 5 gruplarındaki sıçanlar ip MITO 2.5 ve 5 mg/kg aldı. MITO 2.5+AMI ve MITO 5+AMI gruplarında aynı dozlarda MITO’dan 30 dk önce 200 mg/kg AMI uygulandı.Kretainin fosfokinaz-miyokardial bant ve kardiyak troponin T gibi kardiyak enzimlerin düzeyi değişiklik göstermedi. MITO gruplarındaki malondialdehid (MDA) düzeyleri kontrollere kıyasla yüksekti. MITO ve MITO+AMI gruplarındaki katalaz ve glutatyon düzeyleri kontrollerden yüksekti. MITO+AMI ve kontroller arasında süperoksit dismutaz ve glutatyon peroksidaz düzeyleri bakımından fark yoktu. Kalsiyum birikimi saptanmadı. Fibrozis, dejenerasyon ve inflamasyon skorları MITO+AMI gruplarında daha düşüktü. SONUÇ: MITO lipid peroksidasyonu ve miyokardiyal zaralanmaya neden olurken miyokardiyum bu zaralanmadan korunmak için katalaz ve GSH düzeylerini arttırmaktadır. AMI miyokardiyal zararlanma ve lipid peroksidasyonu azaltarak MITO’nun yol açtığı akut kardiyotoksisiteye karşı koruyucu olabilmektedir.

Moderate exercise stimulates immune system whereas intensive exercise may display immune-suppressive effect associated with the disruption of intestinal barrier. With this study, we tested the effects of moderate and intensive swimming exercises on some cytokines and oxidant variables and zonulin, an intestinal barrier marker, in rats. We also tested possible ameliorative effects of probiotic VSL#3 in both moderate and intensive exercise regimens. Twenty eight rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: Control-C, Probiotic-P, Exercise-E, Probiotic+Exercise-PE. The rats in group E and PE underwent moderate swimming exercise for 5 weeks. Following this period, intensive swimming exercise was performed for 5 days. The rats in group C and group P were sedentary. Probiotic VSL#3 was given to group P and PE in the water. At the end of the experiments, serum zonulin, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, MDA, and protein carbonyl levels were determined. Evidences obtained from present study indicate that moderate swimming exercise improves barrier integrity of intestine and decreases oxidative stress. During the moderate swimming experiment, probiotic VSL#3 supplementation may also improve inflammatory response. On the other hand, intensive exercise does not led changes in the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, but beneficial responses of moderate exercise on the selected parameters probably disappear due to the intense exercise-induced mild stress.

Obstructive jaundice promotes bacterial translocation from the gut, but the role of nitric oxide is controversial in this process. We studied the effects of nitric oxide synthase substrate, L-arginine, and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, on bacterial translocation in bile duct ligated rats. The animals were randomized into five groups; control, sham, common bile duct ligation alone, nitric oxide inhibition, and nitric oxide supplementation. Obstructive jaundice was performed with common bile duct ligation. L-arginine or N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester was injected once daily for 14 days. Blood bilirubin level, liver histology, and bacterial translocation to the mesenteric lymph nodes as well as to the liver were assessed. The L-arginine supplemented group had the lowest bacterial translocation rate, but the most prominent hepatic fibrosis. Nitric oxide inhibition increased bacterial translocation to the mesenteric lymph nodes. Therefore, the administration of nitric oxide donor or inhibitor acts as a significant regulatory factor for bacterial translocation in obstructive jaundice.

Neutrophils are the major cellular immune components in response to bacterial infections. Neutrophil enzymes are important in invasion, inflammation, and infection processes. In order to understand the basic effects of protein malnutrition on neutrophils we studied matrix metalloproteinases 8 and 9 (MMP-8 and MMP-9) production in severe quantitative and qualitative protein malnutrition in rats. Wistar rats (2 months old) were divided into four groups each with three subgroups and fed various protein-containing diets (24% protein, 20% gelatin-containing and N-free) for 7, 14, 21, and/or 28 days. Neutrophil enzyme expression was determined by Western blotting. Leukocytes decreased significantly due to malnutrition (p = 0.001) whilst the percentage of neutrophils increased (p = 0.02) in protein-deprived groups. Neutrophils of malnourished rats produced lower levels of MMP-8 at early stages of protein deprivation with an increase in the following weeks. MMP-9 production by neutrophils from N-free diet fed animals was highest after one week. Serum MMP-9 levels decreased in the qualitative but not in the quantitative protein malnutrition groups. Results suggest that neutrophils might be important in reuse of body cell proteins during fasting or malnutrition conditions and dietary manipulation might have profound effects on MMP-8 and -9 production in rats.

This study was performed to describe a new model of strangulation obstruction mimicking the situations relevant to abdominal hernias. The strangulation obstruction was induced either by intra-abdominal ligation of an ileal segment 2 cm in length (n = 20) or by a pursestring suture around a fascial defect with a strangulated intestinal loop placed subcutaneously (n = 20). Ten animals served as sham operated controls (n = 10). All animals were euthanized at 12 h postoperatively; strangulated ileum segments were collected for histopathological examination. Microscopic injury scores were similar in both strangulation groups, which were significantly different from the control group (p

Objective : Protein deficiencies are common conditions around the world. They may affect organisms directly or indirectly by changing their normal microbiota. This study aimed to determine time-dependent effects of the quality and quantity of dietary proteins on intestinal microbiota. Materials and methods : Sixty young male Wistar rats were used in four experiments with durations of 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks, respectively. In each experiment 15 animals were divided into 3 equal groups and given either a complete rat chow (controls) or semi-synthetic diets containing almost no protein (N-free) or 20% gelatin ad libitum . Total aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, and lactobacilli colonies were counted in cecal contents. Results : Generally, total aerobic bacteria and lactobacilli were most affected by protein malnutrition in all experiments. Both types of protein malnutrition decreased the numbers of total aerobic bacteria in all experiments except for the gelatin-fed animals in experiment I. Mean lactobacilli counts also decreased in both malnutrition groups but the decrease in lactobacilli count was more severe in N-free groups than in gelatin-fed groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that the effects of dietary proteins on cecal bacteria are dependent on the type of bacteria and partly time-dependent. Key words: Dietary protein, malnutrition, cecum, microbiota, time, rat

Glucocorticoids are known to affect intestinal biota both directly or indirectly. The aim of the study reported here was to determine the short-term effects of different doses of dexamethasone on the numbers of various ileal bacteria populations. Rats were randomly put into groups, and each group was administered a single-dose injection of dexamethasone at either 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg body weight. At 48-h post-injection, the numbers of total aerobe, anaerobe, lactobacilli and coliform bacteria in the ileum were determined. The numbers of total aerobes and lactobacilli were higher in the groups receiving 5 and 10 mg/kg dexamethasone than in the control and other dose groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). The number of ileal anaerobic bacteria was higher in group receiving 5 mg/kg than in the other groups (P < 0.01). There were more coliform bacteria in the group receiving 0.1 mg/kg than in the groups receiving 0.5, 1 and 10 mg/kg (P < 0.05). In light of these results, the effects of dose-dependent increases in the number of different bacterial groups affecting gut functions have still to be determined in future studies.

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is associated with an increase in lipid peroxidation and oxygen free radicals in rat kidneys. In this study, the effects of desferrioxamine were compared to vitamin C and E on cisplatin-induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in rat kidneys. Rats were divided into five groups, with 15 Wistar rats in each group. In the control group, rats received 1 mL/100 g isotonic saline solution intraperitoneally (i.p.). In Group II, 10 mg/kg cisplatin i.p. was injected to rats. Thirty minutes before the same dosage of cisplatin administration, 100 mg/kg i.p. vitamin C or E was given to rats in groups III and IV, respectively. Rats in Group V received 250 mg/kg desferrioxamine i.p., before the same dose of cisplatin administration. All rats were killed by cervical dislocation after 72 hours. The kidneys were immediately removed and washed in cold saline. Spectrophotometric method was used for all analyses. While catalase, glutathione reductase (GR), and super oxide dismutase (SOD) levels were found to be significantly decreased (P B < 0.001), malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (P < 0.001) levels were significantly increased in the cisplatin group when compared to the controls. MDA levels were decreased by desferrioxamine (P < 0.005) as well as vitamin C and E (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). These three compounds induced a significant increase in SOD levels (P B < 0.05), but only in the vitamin C group, were SOD levels not significantly different than the levels of the controls (P > 0.05). In the desferrioxamine (P < 0.05), vitamin C and E groups (P < 0.001 for both), the cisplatin elevated H2O2 levels were decreased. None of these drugs had any effect on GR and catalase levels (P > 0.05). Desferrioxamine is useful to prevent cisplatin-induced lipid peroxidation, however, vitamin C and E are more effective on antioxidant enzymes than desferrioxamine.

Background Local flaps are widely used in reconstructive surgery. Tri-lobed skin flap is a relatively new flap and there has been no experimental model of this flap. This flap can be used for repair of full thickness defects in the face, ears and alar region. Based on the size of ears in a rabbit, we designed a model of ear reconstruction using expanded tri-lobed flap. Local flaps are more advantageous in that they provide excellent color and texture matching up with those of the face, adequately restore ear contour, place scars in a favorable location and ideally accomplish these goals in a single stage with minimal donor site morbidity. Methods Eight adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups. 50 ml round tissue expander were implanted to four rabbits. After completion of the expansion, a superiorly based tri-lobed flap was elevated and a new ear was created from the superior dorsal skin of each rabbit. Scintigraphy with Technetium-99m pertecnetate was performed to evaluate flap viability. Results Subtotal flap necrosis was seen in all animals in non-expanded group. New ear in dimensions of the original ear was created in expanded group without complication. Perfusion and viability of the flaps were proved by Technetium-99m pertecnetate scintigraphy. Conclusion According to our knowledge this study is the first to demonstrate animal model in tri-lobed flap. Also, our technique is the first application of the trilobed flap to the possible ear reconstruction. We speculated that this flap may be used mastoid based without hair, in human. Also, tri-lobed flap may be an alternative in reconstruction of cylindrical organs such as penis or finger.

This study was carried out to determine the distribution ol' eosinophil granulocytes and plasma cells in the jejunal mucosa (~f the dogs naturallyinl'ected or not infected with intestinal parasites. /n addition, the total leukocyteand eosinophil granulocyte concentrations were determined in peripheral blood.For this pUlposes, II mongrel dogs were used where 7 ol'them were determined tobe inl'ected naturally with in testin al parasites, and in 4 of them there were no evidence ol'an actual intestinal parasitic inl'ection.The tissue specimens ol' the jejunum were obtained by abdominal surgeryfi"om both groups. Specimens were fixed with i 0% neutral bu.ti'eredformalin. Thetissue sections were stained with either Congo red for eosinofil granulocytes ormethyl green pyroninfor plasma cells. Tissue sections were examined by light microscopically. Both cells were counted in villus-crypt units olJejunal mucosa. Thedetermination ol' the leukocyte and eosinophil granulocyte concentrations in peripheral blood were carried outfrom blood samples with standart technics./t was observed that eosinophil granulocytes were located in lamina propriaofjejunal mucosa, especialfy within vilfus intestinalis. basal parts of crypts and lamina subglandularis. FUl1hermore. eosinophil granulocytes were also located intraepithelially in crypts and rarely at the base of the villus. Some eosinophil granulocytes were also seen within intestinal lumen. The pyroninophilic cells wereidentified in jejunum. They were intensively prominent in villus intestinales, butthey werefound also in crypts in a lesser extent.A t-Testfor independent groups showed that the eosinophil granulocyte countin jejunal mucosa was higher in parasitized dogs than in jejunal mucosa ol' noninl'ected dogs (p< 0.05). But there were no sign(ficant differences in CO/1-centrations (JI' leukocytes and eosinophil granulocytes in peripheral blood, as wellas in the number ofplasma cells in jejunal mucosa when compared the dogs withintestinal parasite with those showing no parasite infeces.

Background: Mitoxantrone (MTX), an anthracenedione derivate, is used in the treatment of several malignancies. One of the most important adverse effects is dose-dependent cardiotoxicty. Myocardial adrenergic imbalance, oxygen free radicals, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-2, and increased intracellular calcium may play role in the development of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Aim: In this study, the roles of lipid peroxidation, oxygen free radicals and protective enzymes, and the protective effect of amifostine (AMI) were evaluated using biochemical and histopathological methods on mitoxantrone-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rat heart. Materials and method: This study was performed on 36 male Wistar rats. Rats were divided to equal 6 groups: Control group was received as serum saline 10 ml/kg, intraperitoneally (IP), AMI group 200 mg/kg IP, MTX 2.5 mg/kg group IP, MTX 5 mg/kg group IP, MTX 2.5 mg/kg+AMI 200 mg/kg group IP, and MTX 5 mg/kg+AMI 200 mg/kg IP. AMI was performed before 30 min. MTX in last two groups. Creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and troponin-T were analyzed at pre-study, 1st, and 7th days. Rats were killed after 7 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) were analyzed with spectrophotometric method in rat heart. Fibrosis, inflammation, degeneration, apoptosis, and calcium deposits in myocardium were evaluated with pathological examination and scoring system. This study was approved by university animal ethic committee and supported by University. Results: CK-MB and troponin-T levels were not different between six groups and three assays (p>0.05). MDA levels in MTX were higher than those of control and AMI goups (p0.05). SOD levels in MTX 5+AMI group was higher than controls (p Conclusion: While MTX causes inflammation, fibrosis, degeneration, and apopitosis in rat heart, it induces lipid peroxidation. Moreover AMI may protect myocardium from MTX-induced lipid peroxidation and histopathological damage.