Beneficial Effects of Sildenafil on Tissue Perfusion and Inflammation in a Murine Model of Limb Ischemia and Atherosclerosis.

Background: Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, has endothelium protective and angiogenic effects.

Objectives: To test if sildenafil improves tissue perfusion and neovascularization and downregulates proinflammatory molecules following limb ischemia.

Methods: 30 ApoE-/- male mice, bred with cholesterol rich diet for 4 weeks, were anesthetized and underwent unilateral hind-limb ischemia with ligation of the left femoral artery.