Efficacy of levamisole on experimental endometriosis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of levamisole on experimental endometriosis. Methods: After the implantation of endometrial tissue on abdominal peritoneum, 40 rats were randomized to 1 of 4 equal intervention groups. Levamisole (2 mg/rat) was applied subcutaneously to group "L" once a week. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (3 mg/kg) was applied intramuscularly to group "M" twice at 4-week intervals. Leuprolide (0.075 mg/kg) was applied subcutaneously to group "G" twice at 4-week intervals. Saline (0.1 cm(3)/rat) was applied subcutaneously to group "C" once a week for 8 weeks. The efficacy of levamisole was determined by volume measurement and characterizing the histological structure of the implants. Result: Volume increase of the implants in group C (P<0.05), and volume decrease in groups M, G, and L was found (P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.01, respectively.) Stromal tissue and glandular activity were not different between groups L and G. Conclusion: Levamisole was found to be as effective as leuprolide in regression of the volume of endometriotic implants. (C) 2007 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.