title: The effect of prostacyclin on experimental random pattern flaps in the rat.
abstract: In a controlled experimental study of the survival of random pattern flaps in rats it has been found that pre-treatment with prostacyclin prior to raising the skin flaps did not improve flap survival. However, if treatment was begun at the commencement of the operation and continued afterwards, there was a significant improvement in flap survival compared with the viability predicted by intravital dye injection. Possible explanations of these findings are discussed and the suggestion put forward that in addition to reducing platelet adherence and vasoconstriction PGI2 may also stimulate the formation of new capillaries in ischaemic areas. This hypothesis requires further investigation.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects; D013524:Surgical Flaps
chemical_list: D011453:Prostaglandins; D011464:Epoprostenol