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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Ischemic Tissue Injury in the Dorsal Skinfold Chamber of the Mouse: A Skin Flap Model to Investigate Acute Persistent Ischemia
Published on: November 17, 2014
Effect of dipyridamole on random pattern skin flap viability in rats
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Ischemic necrosis has been most dreaded complication of flap reconstruction. Therefore, researchers have tried to improvise modalities to prevent or treat it since the onset of flap surgery. So far these researches have failed to identify a pharmacological therapy equally effective as surgical delay in augmenting skin flap viability. In the path of search for this substance, dipyridamole attracted our attention as an antiaggregant agent. Put together with pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ischemic flap necrosis, we concluded dipyridamole might have beneficial effect on survival of skin flaps. In this research random pattern dorsal rat skin flap model of McFarlane is used. Subjects are separated in a randomized fashion between two groups. Experiment group is given dipyridamole with a dose of 20 mg/kg twice daily. Control group is given same amount of saline. At seventh day viability of skin flaps is assessed and compared between groups. Also on 7th day, pathologic specimens are obtained and evaluated histopathologically in terms of neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration, edema and fibrosis. Necrosis percentage in experiment group is found to be significantly lower than that of control group (p < 0.01*). Neutrophil infiltration and edema found to be significantly lower in dipyridamole group (p < 0.05*). No significant difference is observed in lymphocyte infiltration and fibrosis. Dipyridamole is shown in this research to be effective in augmenting viability of random pattern skin flaps in rats. Nevertheless, more extensive researches are needed to fully determine its precise mechanism, side effects and appropriate doses.
Insights
Dipyridamole, an antiplatelet agent, significantly improved skin flap survival in a rat model by reducing necrosis and inflammation. Further research is needed to confirm its clinical efficacy and optimal dosage for flap reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Experimental Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ischemic necrosis is a major complication in flap reconstruction surgery.
- Previous research has not identified a pharmacological therapy as effective as surgical delay for improving skin flap viability.
- Dipyridamole, an antiplatelet agent, was investigated for its potential to mitigate ischemic flap necrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of dipyridamole in preventing ischemic necrosis and enhancing the viability of random pattern skin flaps in a rat model.
Main Methods:
- A randomized dorsal rat skin flap model was employed.
- The experimental group received dipyridamole (20 mg/kg twice daily), while the control group received saline.
- Flap viability was assessed on day seven, along with histopathological evaluation of neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration, edema, and fibrosis.
Main Results:
- The dipyridamole group exhibited significantly lower flap necrosis compared to the control group (p < 0.01).
- Significantly reduced neutrophil infiltration and edema were observed in the dipyridamole group (p < 0.05).
- No significant differences were found in lymphocyte infiltration or fibrosis between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Dipyridamole demonstrates effectiveness in augmenting the viability of random pattern skin flaps in rats.
- The findings suggest dipyridamole may be a promising pharmacological agent for preventing ischemic complications in flap surgery.
- Further extensive research is required to elucidate its precise mechanism of action, potential side effects, and optimal clinical dosage.
