Histological effect on the adipocutaneous flap in rats after preconditioning with 2-chloro-N(6) -cyclopentyladenosine

2-chloro-N(6) -cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) was proven to be a protective factor in ischemic reperfusion injury. The purpose of this study was to determine how CCPA would affect the single tissue layers of the adipocutaneous flap.

Seventy male Wistar rats were divided into 5 experimental groups. Samples were taken of the area of flap necrosis and the wound margin after classical or pharmacological preconditioning on the fifth postoperative day. All samples were fixed in formaldehyde, embedded in paraplast, and analyzed in 3- to 4-μm sections (hemalaun-eosin stain and light microscopy).

In general, wound healing was alike and remained unaffected by the experimental design. The most sensitive part of the flap during preconditioning is the subcutis. The number of neutrophils and of plasma cells is reduced significantly (p < .05).

CCPA has an effect on each tissue layer of the flap. Subcutis became apparent as the most sensitive layer. CCPA influences complement pathway and neutrophils directly and indirectly.