Effect of granulocytes on the microcirculation in free-flap surgery.
BACKGROUND
Impaired capillary perfusion may result in flap failure. Platelet emboli, vasospasm and/or polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) have been identified as possible causes. This study investigates the role of PMNs in causing impaired capillary perfusion in a free-flap model.


METHODS
Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with either anti-neutrophil serum or saline. Their cremaster muscle was isolated on its pedicle. After arterial repair and reperfusion, capillary perfusion was counted each hour for 6 h.


RESULTS
The number of PMNs was significantly reduced in the animals treated with anti-neutrophil serum. However, capillary perfusion did not improve in this group.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate that depleting circulating PMNs does not counterbalance the reduction of perfused capillaries, i.e., does not increase their number. It is suggested that reduced capillary perfusion downstream from an anastomotic repair is not mediated by the presence of PMNs in the microcirculation.
Peter
F W
FW
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY, USA. 75473.672@compuserve.com
Steinau
H U
HU
Barker
J H
JH
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000503:physiopathology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply; D009504:Neutrophils; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012016:Reference Values; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*