Abstract
Pentoxifylline improves microvascular blood flow in conditions of vascular insufficiency. The clinical benefits of pentoxifylline have been attributed to its effects on the cellular elements of whole blood, although a few studies suggest it may also be a vasodilator. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pentoxifylline has a vasodilator effect on the luminal diameter of small arteries preconstricted with norepinephrine and on resting small arteries in the rat cremaster muscle. Intravital videomicroscopy was used in order to observe directly the vasodilator capacity of topically applied pentoxifylline. The results reveal that pentoxifylline (100 microM and more) can significantly dilate small arteries preconstricted with norepinephrine. Pentoxifylline had no effect on the diameter of resting small arteries. These results suggest that vasodilation may play a role in the ability of pentoxifylline to improve arterial blood flow.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
