No abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of the leflunomide (LEF) on the size of the transplanted endometriosis (EMS) lesions and transforming growth factor (TGF) -β1gray level in SD rats. Materials and Methods: EMS was surgically induced in rats by autologous transplantation and the focal volume was also measured. The rats were divided into three groups: group A: normal SD rats, group B: rats irrigated by one ml•kg -1 •d -1 saline for three weeks, and group C: rats irrigated by 35 mg•kg -1 •d -1 LEF for three weeks. The rats were then sacrificed and measured their focal volume and TGF-β1 gray value with immunohistochemical method. Results: The sizes of the focal volume in group C were significantly reduced compared to the rats before feeding, and the volume in group C was smaller than group B after feeding and so was the TGF-β1. Conclusion: LEF could be a new therapeutic drug for EMS.