Effect of nifedipine on the healing of left colonic anastomoses in rats

Abstract

Purpose Ca2+ channel blockers inhibit collagenase production and have a vasodilatatory effect. They also restrict the formation of ischemia-reperfusion induced free oxygen radicals. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of nifedipine on the healing of colonic anastomoses in a rat model. Methods. Sixty Wistar rats weighing 240-290 g were divided into four groups of 15 rats each: a 3rd day control group (group A), a 3rd day treatment group (group B), a 7th day control group (group C), and a 7th day treatment group (group D). The treatment groups were given Nifedipine 3 mg/kg per day orally as three divided doses. Results. The bursting pressure values of the anastomoses in the treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the control groups (P < 0.05). The hydroxyproline content was also significantly higher in the treatment groups than in the control groups (P < 0.05). Histologic examination confirmed that nifedipine treatment significantly increased collagen deposition and fibroblast ingrowth compared with controls (P < 0.05). Conclusions. These results clearly showed that nifedipine enhanced the stability of colonic anastomoses during the first postoperative week.