The effect of formoterol on peritoneal VEGF levels in rats with endometriosis

Abstract Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of formoterol (β2 adrenergic receptor agonist) on peritoneal VEGF levels in rats with endometriosis. Materials and methods Experimental endometriosis was constituted with implantation of endometrial tissue. The implants were examined by second laparatomy and rats were divided randomly into four groups. One cc saline was applied ip to the control (C) group ( n  = 8) daily, 22.5 μg/kg/day ip formoterol was applied to the second (F) group ( n  = 10) daily, 22.5 μg/kg/day ip formoterol and 10 mg/kg/day ip propranolol were applied to the third (FP) group ( n  = 10) daily, 45 μg/kg/day ip formoterol was applied to the fourth (FF) group ( n  = 9). Before treatment and after 30 days treatment period, peritoneal VEGF levels, the volumes and histopathological properties of the implants were evaluated. Results There were significant differences in between the peritoneal VEGF levels before and after treatment in group 2(F) and group 4(FF) ( p (a): 0.01, 0.01 respectively). But there were no significant changes in between the volumes of implants before and after treatment among the groups ( p  > 0.05). There were no significant differences among the groups in histopathological parameters ( p  > 0.05). Conclusion Formoterol treatment was seen to have no effect on the volumes and histopathological structure of endometriotic implants in our study. On the other hand, based on the group 2(F) and 4’s (FF) VEGF levels after the treatment, low dose or high dose formoterol may be effective with long term therapy. Formoterol may reduce the development of endometriosis.