Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Published on: May 28, 2019
Beneficial effects of phosphatidylcholine during hindlimb reperfusion
László Gera1, Renáta Varga, László Török
1Department of Traumatology, Kecskemét County Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary.
Background:
Microcirculatory dysfunctions and mast cell (MC) reactions play important roles in hypoxic tissue injuries. The aims of this study were to characterize the effects of hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) on the periosteal microcirculation and to define the consequences of systemic phosphatidylcholine (PC) therapy during this condition.
Materials And Methods:
Microcirculatory changes were visualized by means of fluorescence intravital videomicroscopy in anesthetized Wistar rats. There was 60 min of complete hindlimb ischemia followed by a 180-min reperfusion in the presence of PC treatment (50 mg/kg i.v.; in the second 10 min of reperfusion) or vehicle. Further two groups served as vehicle- or PC-treated sham-operated controls. The proportion of degranulated MCs and the leukocyte accumulation (myeloperoxidase, MPO assay) were determined in muscle biopsies.
Results:
I-R significantly increased the muscle MPO activity (from 14.94 to 63.45 mU/mg) and the proportion of degranulated MCs (to 82.5%). The periosteal capillary RBC velocity (RBCV) and the functional capillary density (FCD) had decreased, while the primary and secondary leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions had increased by the end of reperfusion (rolling from 20.8 to 40.0%, and firm adherence from 254 to 872 mm(-2)). PC treatment decreased the leukocyte rolling and sticking, preserved the FCD and improved the RBCV. The MC degranulation and MPO activity diminished significantly in the muscle layer.
Conclusions:
PC administration improves I-R-induced periosteal microcirculatory dysfunctions and ameliorates secondary inflammatory reactions. Systemic PC treatment could offer a potential treatment modality during hypoperfusion or inflammatory conditions of the bones.
Insights
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) therapy improved blood flow and reduced inflammation in a rat model of hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion injury. This suggests PC may be a potential treatment for bone hypoperfusion and inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Microcirculatory dysfunctions and mast cell (MC) reactions are key in hypoxic tissue injuries.
- Hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) models are crucial for studying these effects.
- Periosteal microcirculation is vital for bone health during injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of I-R on periosteal microcirculation.
- To evaluate the efficacy of systemic phosphatidylcholine (PC) therapy in mitigating I-R consequences.
- To define the role of mast cells and leukocyte activity in I-R.
Main Methods:
- Intravital videomicroscopy in Wistar rats subjected to 60 min ischemia and 180 min reperfusion.
- Administration of PC (50 mg/kg i.v.) or vehicle during reperfusion.
- Assessment of mast cell degranulation and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in muscle biopsies.
Main Results:
- I-R increased MPO activity and mast cell degranulation.
- Periosteal capillary RBC velocity and functional capillary density decreased; leukocyte-endothelial interactions increased.
- PC treatment reduced leukocyte rolling/sticking, preserved functional capillary density, improved RBC velocity, and diminished mast cell degranulation and MPO activity.
Conclusions:
- PC administration effectively improves I-R-induced periosteal microcirculatory dysfunctions.
- Systemic PC treatment ameliorates secondary inflammatory reactions post-I-R.
- PC shows potential as a therapeutic agent for hypoperfusion or inflammatory bone conditions.
