Inhibitory effect of cilostazol on intimal hyperplasia and smooth muscle cell proliferation in a rabbit carotid artery anastomosis model

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of cilostazol on intimal hyperplasia and smooth muscle cell proliferation in a rabbit carotid artery anastomosis model. Materials and methods: A total of 16 New Zealand male rabbits weighing 2 to 3 kg were used in this study. The rabbits were divided into two groups with eight in each group as Group A and Group B. A vertical neck incision was made in an appropriate position for all group rabbits and the right carotid artery was dissected. The same artery was transected and anastomosis using 8/0 polypropylene was performed with a continuous anastomosis technique. Group A was assigned as the control group and no medication was given. Cilostazol was administrated to Group B at a dose of 25 mg/kg twice a day per oral for 21 days. At the end of Day 21, the anastomosis segments of the right carotid artery and contralateral carotid artery of all rabbits were sent to the histology laboratory for analysis. The lumen diameter, lumen area, intimal area, medial area, and intima/media area ratio were estimated. Results: In the serial sections, the mean lumen diameter of Group B was found to be significantly higher than Group A (p=0.001). The lumen area of Group B was significantly higher than Group A (p=0.001). The section series were evaluated and the area of the intima of Group B was significantly lower than Group A (p=0.001). The medial area of Group B was significantly larger than Group A (p=0.001). The intima/media area ratio was significantly higher in Group A (p=0.001). Conclusion: Cilostazol may be useful for preventing intimal hyperplasia and smooth muscle cell proliferation after vascular surgery.