Pentoxifylline alone versus pentoxifylline combined with superoxide dismutase prolongs survival in a rat hemorrhagic shock model.

Pentoxifylline (PTX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) have each proven effective in improving survival when administered during resuscitation in animal models of hemorrhagic shock. This study was conducted to determine if PTX and SOD combined would have synergistic effectiveness in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 40) were phlebotomized at 25 ml/kg for 2 min, then subjected to a 45-min ischemic period, and resuscitated with lactated Ringer's solution (LR) (50 ml/kg) over 1 h. This model resulted in 70% mortality over 72 h when resuscitation was with LR alone. Animals were randomized into groups to receive one of the following agents during resuscitation: PTX in LR, SOD in LR, a combination of PTX and SOD in LR, or LR alone. PTX or SOD alone were effective in prolonging survival. However, the combination of PTX and SOD did not prolong survival above LR control.