Progressive tissue injury in burns is reduced by rNAPc2.
BACKGROUND
Burn wounds are characterised by central necrosis surrounded by an area of stasis with compromised perfusion. Secondary aggravation of the burn wound due to ischaemia in the zone of stasis can also result in necrosis. This study aims to improve circulation in the zone of stasis by reducing microthrombus formation and thereby to reduce secondary aggravation.


METHODS
Recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein (rNAPc2) was administered to Wistar rats at 3 or 30 microg/kg as a single or daily dose. A comb pattern burn was induced on the dorsum of these rats and its evolution monitored by serial photography, planimetry, laser doppler flowmetry and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
In the 30 microg/kg daily group, extension of the burn wound was curbed, limiting the burn area to 1.99+/-0.67 cm(2) on day 28, compared to 3.51+/-0.37 cm(2) in the control group (p=0.015). Laser doppler evaluation showed a significant (p<0.001) increase in circulation in the first day post-burn. Significantly less (p<0.001) microvascular fibrin formation was observed by immunohistochemistry.


CONCLUSIONS
Anticoagulation with rNAPc2 improved perfusion of the burn wound. The resultant reduction in the area of the burn led to earlier healing and less scar contracture.
Mahajan
Ajay L
AL
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Tenorio
Xavier
X
Pepper
Michael Sean
MS
Baetens
Danielle
D
Montandon
Denys
D
Schlaudraff
Kai-Uwe
KU
Pittet
Brigitte
B
D000818:Animals; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002056:Burns / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002921:Cicatrix; D003286:Contracture / Q000517:prevention & control; D005337:Fibrin / Q000032:analysis; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects
D000925:Anticoagulants; D015801:Helminth Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C400226:anti-coagulant protein C2, Ancylostoma caninum; D005337:Fibrin