Increased survival length of experimental flap by calcium antagonist nifedipine

The effect of a calcium antagonist (nifedipine) on flap survival was examined. A flap measuring 15 mm wide x 70 mm long was designed on the central region of the back of rats. The base of the flap was located 20 mm cranial from the root of the tail in each rat. The effect of the drug was evaluated on the basis of the difference between the dye distance and survival length. It was found that nifedipine extended the survival length of the flap. There were no significant differences in increased survival length between nifedipine and intravenously administered prostaglandin E1. There was no dose-dependent change on the effect of nifedipine. Increased survival length was demonstrated even at its usual clinical dosage. It was anticipated that there is a possibility of clinical application of this drug.