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The effects of pentoxifylline on skeletal muscle contractility and neuromuscular transmission during hypoxia
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The effects of pentoxifylline on skeletal muscle contractility and neuromuscular transmission during hypoxia

Fatma Simsek-Duran, Mert Ertunc and Rustu Onur
Indian journal of pharmacology, Vol.41(5), pp.213-217
10/2009
DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.58509
PMCID: PMC2812779
PMID: 20177491
url
https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.58509View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX), a drug that is mainly used for indications related to tissue hypoxia, on hypoxia-induced inhibition of skeletal muscle contractility and neuromuscular transmission in mice. We hypothesized that chronic PTX treatment alters skeletal muscle contractility and hypoxia-induced dysfunction. Materials and methods: Mice were treated with 50 mg/kg PTX or saline intraperitoneally for a week. Following ether anesthesia, diaphragm muscles were removed; isometric muscle contractions and action potentials were recorded. Time to reach neuromuscular blockade and the rate of recovery of muscle contractility were assessed during hypoxia and re-oxygenation. Results: The PTX group displayed 90% greater twitch amplitudes (P < 0.01). Hypoxia depressed twitch contractions and caused neuromuscular blockade in both groups. However, neuromuscular blockade occurred earlier in PTX-treated animals (P < 0.05). Muscle contractures developed during hypoxia were more pronounced in the PTX group (P < 0.05). Re-oxygenation reduced contracture and indirect muscle contractions resumed. The rate of recovery of contractions was faster (P < 0.05) and the amplitude of contractions was greater (P < 0.01) in the PTX group. PTX treatment increased amplitude (P < 0.05) and shortened action potential (P < 0.05) without altering resting membrane potential, excitation threshold, and neurotransmitter release. Conclusion: Chronic PTX treatment increases diaphragm contractility, but amplifies hypoxia-induced contractile dysfunction in mice. These results may implicate important clinical consequences for clinical usage of PTX in hypoxia-related conditions.
Hypoxia neuromuscular transmission pentoxifylline Contractility

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