The Effect of Exogenous Melatonin on Experimental Colonic Anastomosis

Abstract

In this study we investigated the role of exogenous melatonin administration on the healing of colonic anastomoses.

Materials and methods: Rats were divided into four groups: control, vehicle, 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg melatonin, which was administered postoperatively on days 0, 1, and 2. Following colon resection and anastomosis, the rats were sacrificed on the 3^rd and 7^th days to measure bursting pressure and hydroxyproline content of the anastomoses. Results: Bursting pressure significantly increased on the 7^th day compared with the 3^rd day in all groups. Hydroxyproline levels did not show any significant change on the 3^rd day compared with the 7^th day in any of the groups. Hydroxyproline levels were significantly higher in control groups than in melatonin groups.

Conclusion: Results suggest that exogenous melatonin has no beneficial effect on the healing of colonic anastomosis.

Key Words:

• Melatonin
• colonic anastomosis
• wound healing

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. Ozdogan

M. Ozdogan, M.D. Mertler sok. 41/7 Bestepe 06510 Ankara, Turkey Tel.: [phone]: [phone] E-mail: [email protected].