Effects of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. on ischemia-reperfusion of randomized skin flaps in rats.
BACKGROUND
Copaíba oil is an oleoresin obtained from the Copaiffera langsdorffii genus (Leguminoseae). It is widely used in folk medicine as an antiinflammatory, healing, and antiseptic agent. Comparative pharmacologic studies between different species of copaíba oils are scarce.


METHODS
The protective effect of Copaiffera langsdorffii was evaluated on an experimental model of random skin flaps on rat dorsums.


RESULTS
Seventy-two Wistar rats (average weight = 216.8 g) were divided randomly into four equal groups (saline control, vehicle control, GT200-Test 1, and GT400-Test 2). A caudally based rectangular flap, 2.5-8.0 cm in size, was elevated on the back of the rat using McFarlane's method. The flap was sutured back into its original place. Copaifera and control drugs (saline and Tween 80) were administered by gavage 24, 12, and 2 h prior to the beginning of the experiment followed by daily doses for the next 7 days. To observe the effects of Copaifera, laboratory analyses included plasma and tissue levels of tiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and tissue levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO).


CONCLUSIONS
The oil-resin of copaíba presents discrete antilipoperoxidation action, intense antioxidant action, and antiinflammatory activity during the ischemia and reperfusion of randomized cutaneous flaps. The effects of ischemia-reperfusion are complex and substances capable of increasing the tolerance of tissue to those effects by reducing the production or neutralizing the action of free radicals are needed.
de Lima Silva
Joaquim José
JJ
Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Alexandre Baraúna Street 949, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, Brazil. cirurgiaoplastico@joaquimjose.med.br
Guimarães
Sérgio Botelho
SB
da Silveira
Edilberto Rocha
ER
de Vasconcelos
Paulo Roberto Leitao
PR
Lima
Gabrielle Gurgel
GG
Torres
Sílvio Melo
SM
de Vasconcelos
Raquel Cavalcante
RC
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007887:Fabaceae; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011336:Probability; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts