ABSTRACT

We aimed to investigate the effects of levamisole, interferon alpha-2b and leuprolide on peritoneal implants in experimentally induced peritoneal endometriosis in rats.

Peritoneal endometriosis was induced in 48 rats by Vernon and Wilson’s method. Four weeks after this procedure, peritoneal implants were evaluated histopathologically, and rats were randomized to four groups treated respectively with: a) a single 1 mL intraperitoneal dose of 0.9% saline solution (control group); b) a single 1 mg intramuscular dose of leuprolide acetate; c) interferon alpha-2b, 100.000 U intraperitoneally; d) levamisole 2 mg intraperitoneally for 3 days, then 3 days rest, and continuing in this fashion over 6 weeks. Rats were sacrificed six weeks after the initiation of treatment, and endometriotic implants were evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically. Microscopic evaluations were scored as (+), (++), (+++) corresponding respectively to normal, mild or severe atrophy of the glands and stromas. Results were evaluated with chi-square test by SPSS 10.0 package program. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Comparing treatment groups with the control group, leuprolide (p < 0.05) and interferon alpha-2b (p < 0.05) were effective, but levamisole was ineffective (p > 0.05).

There is substantial evidence that immunologic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, and it could be expected that immunomodulator agents would be useful in its treatment. In this group of agents, interferon alpha-2b was effective, but levamisole was ineffective. Further studies will certainly bring more insight into this disease and will determine the effectiveness of different immunomodulator agents in its treatment.

Keywords: experimental endometriosis, treatment, levamisole, interferon, leuprolide