Experimental evaluation of oxygen free radical scavengers in the prevention of reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of oxygen-derived free radicals in reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle in rabbits.


METHODS
Open experimental study.


METHODS
Department of experimental surgery.


METHODS
32 rabbits.


METHODS
Four groups according to pretreatment: group I: superoxide dismutase-superoxide scavenger; group II: catalase-hydrogen peroxide scavenger; group III: superoxide dismutase and catalase; group IV: mannitol-hydroxyl scavenger. Amputated hindlimbs were subjected to 4 hours of ischaemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. One limb was treated while the other served as a control.


METHODS
Muscle water content, energy charge, and muscle injury (uptake of 99mTc-methylenediphosphonate).


RESULTS
Muscle water content was reduced in group III (p < 0.05) and IV (p < 0.05). Energy charge was improved in group IV (p < 0.05). Muscle injury was reduced in groups II (p < 0.05), III (p < 0.05), and IV (p < 0.01), but most in group IV (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Oxygen-derived free radicals seem to be mediators in reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle. The hydroxyl radical seems to be the most important of the xanthine oxidase-derived free radicals.
Oredsson
S
S
Department of Surgery, Lund University, Helsingborg Hospital, Sweden.
Plate
G
G
Qvarfordt
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control
D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D005609:Free Radicals; D007773:Lactates; D019344:Lactic Acid; D010100:Oxygen