Inhibitory effects of methylxanthines on the pre-eclamptic-like symptoms in ewes

Objective: Our objective was to determine whether two methylxanthines, pent oxifylline (PTX) and allopurinol, would have beneficial effects on experime ntal pregnancy-induced pre-eclampsia- like disease in ewes. Study design: 20 animals at the gestational age of 130-135 days were divide d into four groups (control; fasting; fasting, pentoxifylline-treated; and fasting, allopurinol-treated). The illness was provoked with a 4-day fastin g period. Electrolytes, glucose, conventional parameters, plasma haem conte nt, indirect bilirubin concentration and free thiol levels were measured. Results: Unlike in the fasting group. conventional signs of the disease, su ch as hypertension, kidney and liver injury and platelet count decrease, we re all mitigated in the fasting, drug-treated animals. In the treated anima ls plasma haem content increased by a less significant level, while indirec t bilirubin concentration showed a more rapid rise. Conclusions: Both methylxanthines partly inhibited the pre-eclamptic-like s ymptoms in ewes. We speculate that the better induction of haem oxygenase m ight play an important role in this inhibitory effect on this particular an imal model. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd, All rights reserved.