Effect of intradermal human recombinant copper-zinc superoxide dismutase on random pattern flaps in rats.
BACKGROUND
Studies have focused on enhancing flap viability using superoxide dismutase (SOD), but only a few used SOD from human origin, and most gave the compound systemically. We evaluated the ability of SOD to improve random skin flap survival using human recombinant copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Hr-CuZnSOD) in variable doses, injected intradermally into the flap.


METHODS
Seventy male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups. Cephalic random pattern flaps were elevated on their backs and intradermal injections of different dosages of Hr-CuZnSOD were given 15 minutes before surgery. Flap survival was evaluated by fluorescein fluorescence. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t test statistical analyses were performed.


RESULTS
Flap survival in all treated groups was significantly better than in the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The beneficial effect of HR-CuZnSOD on flap survival is attained when it is given intradermally into the flap tissue. Theoretically, Hr-CuZnSOD delivered with local anesthetics used in flap elevation may be a valuable clinical tool.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
Ophir
O
Schein
Melvyn
M
Westreich
Avshalom
A
Shalom
D000818:Animals; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013524:Surgical Flaps
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase