A Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Melatonin and Nimodipine on Vasospasm

Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of nimodipine and melatonin in a rat femoral artery vasospasm model. Material and Methods: The rats were divided into five groups as follows: Group I (n=8): control group, Group II (n=8): vasospasm group, Group III (n=8): vasospasm + melatonin group, Group IV (n=8): vasospasm + nimodipine group, Group V (n=8 rats): vasospasm + melatonin + nimodipine group. At the end of the 7th day, the femoral arteries were excised and histopathologically examined under light microscope. Results: Vascular wall of vasospasm group was relatively thicker when compared with the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between the wall thickness of Group II and Group III, IV and V. The maximum reduction of wall thickness was observed in Group V. There was no statistically significant difference in lumen diameter between Group I and Group IV. The lumen diameter was found to be increased in Group III, IV and V when compared with Group II. Conclusion: The development of experimental peripheral vasospasm has been reduced by the melatonin and nimodipine and their effect was increased when they were used concomitantly.