The antioxidant effect of tenoxicam investigated in rat model of lower limb ischemia/reperfusion

Background: In this study we investigated the antioxidant effects of Tenoxicam, a type 2 cyclooxygenase (COX?2) inhibitor, on lower limb ischemia-reperfusion model.Method: Male Wistar rats were anesthetized and submitted to ischemia of left lower limb for 3 h. After 3 h of unilateral lower limb ischemia, tourniquets were released and the extremity reperfused for 24 h. Four groups of rats consisting of 7 subjets were included in the study. Animals were divided into Group 1 (Control, n=7), Group 2 (I/R, sham, n=7), Group 3 (I/R, 2,5 mg/kg Tenoxicam, n=7), Group 4 (I/R, 10 mg/kg Tenoxicam, n=7). Tenoxicam was administered intraperitoneally immediately after the end of 3 h ischemia. Following reperfusion the gastrocnemius muscle was dissected for electron-microscopic examination.Results: Electron- microscopic investigations showed that the muscle damage in the Group 2 (İ/R, Sham) was more than the Group 1 (Control group). After sham-ischemia showed intense leukocyte infiltrate, necrosis, oedema, mitochondria with reduced cristae, disorganized myofibril and dilated sacoplasmic reticulum. Mitochondria with reduced cristae, disorganized myofibril and dilated sacoplasmic reticulum levels in Group 3 (I/R, 2,5 mg/kg Tenoxicam, n=7), and Group 4 (I/R, 10 mg/kg Tenoxicam, n=7) were significantly lower than Group 2 (İ/R, Sham). Histopathological changes was less in Group 3 (I/R, 2,5 mg/kg Tenoxicam) and Grup 4 (I/R, 10 mg/kg Tenoxicam). Tenoxicam, dose-dependently prevented histopathological changes.Conclusion: In conclusion, we showed that ischemia-reperfusion causes histopathological changes. Tenoxicam, has a protective effect on skeletal muscle tissues ischemia-reperfusion injury.Key words:Ischemia-reperfusion, Tenoxicam, lower extremity, rat, histopathology