Comparison of the effects of low intra-abdominal pressure and pentoxifylline on oxidative stress during CO2 pneumoperitoneum in rabbits.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum and pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative, in the prevention of injury caused by free oxygen radicals generated during CO(2 )pneumoperitoneum.
Methods: Twenty-eight rabbits were allocated randomly to 4 groups. Control group rabbits (group 1) were subjected to anesthesia for 60 min; group 2 and 3 animals were subjected to a CO(2) pneumoperitoneum (15 or 7 mm Hg); and group 4 rabbits received 50 mg/kg pentoxifylline, followed by a 15-mm-Hg pneumoperitoneum. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipid hydroperoxide, glutathione reductase and total antioxidant status were measured.
Results: Compared with group 1, a significant increase in lipid hydroperoxide levels at the end of the pneumoperitoneum and 30 min after deflation and a significant decrease in total antioxidant status 24 h after deflation were recorded in group 2. In addition, a significant increase was observed in ALT, AST and LDH levels. These changes were attenuated by low-pressure pneumoperitoneum, whereas pentoxifylline pretreatment appeared to attenuate only transaminase levels.
Conclusion: Low-pressure pneumoperitoneum could attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by CO(2 )pneumoperitoneum in a rabbit model whereas pentoxifylline pretreatment appeared to attenuate only transaminase levels. Pentoxifylline did not prevent the development of oxidative stress.
(2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.)