Effect of beraprost sodium (TRK-100) on acetic acid-induced skin ulcer

Effect of beraprost sodium (TRK-100), a stable PGI2 analog, on experimentally induced skin ulcer was studied in rats. An experimental skin ulcer was developed by intradermal injection of acetic acid. Injection of glacial acetic acid to the skin in the left hind leg instep of rats resulted in the necrosis of the skin, and a skin ulcer developed in 3 days. The ulcer area reached its peak on the 5th day, and recovered to its control level within 4 weeks. The effects of TRK-100 and indomethacin on the ulcer were tested. TRK-100 showed suppressive effects on the development of the ulcer. A dose of 30 micrograms/kg (p.o.) accelerated healing of the ulcer when scored macroscopically on the 9th or 15th day. At a dose of 100 micrograms/kg (p.o.), it reduced the development of the ulcer and accelerated healing with statistical significance from the 5th day and thereafter. Indomethacin also reduced the development of the ulcer and accelerated healing with statistical significance from the 7th day and thereafter. These results suggest TRK-100 may be effective on the inhibition of the development and accelerated the healing of the skin ulcer formed in various pathological states.