EFFECT OF ENDOTELON (PROCYANIDOLIC OLIGOMERS) ON EXPERIMENTAL ACUTE LYMPHEDEMA OF THE RAT HINDLIMB

Abstract

Endotelon (Procyanidolic Oligomers, Sanofi-Labaz Laboratories) are recognized "angioprotectors" for human venous insufficiency. Using an operative experimental model of lymphedema, we sought pharmacological evidence for potential lymphagogue activity of Endotelon. After surgical interruption of hindlimb lymphatics, rats developed for 7 days, peripheral edema that represented a mean 24% increase in volume compared to the nonoperated hindlimb (control). In this experimental counterpart of acute lymphedema, Endotelon (400mg/kg/day p.o.) administered "prophylactically" (i.e., before, during, and 7 days after development of lymphedema) decreased rat hindlimb lymphedema by approximately 4.7%. When administered just before lymphedema became established (i.e., curatively), Endotelon and Coumarin (another "angioprotector") failed to affect hindlimb edema. These results suggest that Endotelon may reduce or prevent postoperative acute edema.