title: By what mechanism do leeches help to salvage ischaemic tissues? A review.
abstract: The therapeutic use of leeches in medicine dates back to 50 b.c. and was cited by ancient authors. The medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, has been used with increasing frequency during the past few years by reconstructive surgeons to help salvage ischaemic tissues. We aim to summarise the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacological mechanisms of action of leeches to provide reconstructive surgeons with a theoretical basis for their use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK. iain_Whitaker@yahoo.com
authors.forename: I S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Whitaker
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: C A A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Chahal
authors.forename: R O S
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Karoo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gulati
authors.forename: I T H
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Foo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D024764:Hirudin Therapy; D006629:Hirudins / Q000502:physiology*; D047709:Hirudo medicinalis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000628:therapy*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply
chemical_list: D006629:Hirudins