[Evaluation of the preserved skin graft viability by O2 consumption test]

This study provides a description of the functional changes occurring in rat skin grafts preserved at 4 C in natural honey during 3, 7, 14, 30 days. To determine of the preserved skin viability we used the physiological test by measurement of O2 consumption rate in the culture media. O2 consumption measurement provided by Zieger MA, et al. For control was used normal and dead skin samples. Normal skin O2 consumption rate was considered as 100% viability, and dead skin - 0%. Preserved skin O2 consumption rate per 3, 7, 14, 30 days was - 72%, 38%, 15%, 8% respectively. Natural honey is antiseptic and cryoprotective material. Based on our investigation we can conclude that preservation method--meliteration is effective storage procedure for transplantation means (satisfactory viability preserved about 2-3 weeks). At the same time O2 consumption test gives us objective information about tissue viability potential. This method is very simple and useful for scientific investigation and practical medicine.