Ischemia and reperfusion in skin flaps: effects of mannitol and vitamin C in reducing necrosis area in a rat experimental model.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to develop an experimental model of ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat skin flap and to verify the effect of mannitol and vitamin C on reducing necrosis area.


METHODS
A 6- x 3-cm groin skin flap was raised and submitted to 8 hours of ischemia by clamping the vascular pedicle and to 7 days of reperfusion. The animals were divided in four groups: S1 and S2 (10 animals each) and C and T (14 animals each). In groups S1 and S2 skin flaps were not submitted to ischemia and animals received lactated Ringer's solution (S1) and antioxidant solution (S2). In groups C and T, flaps were subjected to 8 hours of warm ischemia and animals received Lactated Ringer's solution (Group C) and antioxidant solution immediately before reperfusion, (Group T). Flap survival was evaluated on the seventh day using a paper template technique and computer-assistant imaging analysis of necrotic and normal areas.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis showed no area differences between groups C and T.


CONCLUSIONS
The experimental model provided consistent necrotic area in control groups and drugs used were not effective in improving skin flap survival.
Yoshida
Winston Bonetti
WB
Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, Medical School, UNESP, Botucato, São Paulo, Brazil. winston@fmb.unesp.br
Campos
Eloísa Bueno Pires de
EB
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D008297:Male; D008353:Mannitol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009336:Necrosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D000077331:Ringer's Solution; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D008353:Mannitol; D000077331:Ringer's Solution; D001205:Ascorbic Acid