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Correlation of neutrophil activation and skin flap survival in pharmacologically altered pigs
J R Kosko1, P B Williams, M F Pratt
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA.
Abstract:
In inflamed tissue, neutrophils produce tissue necrosis factors such as free oxygen radicals. We investigated the role of neutrophils in random flap survival using the tissue neutrophil marker myeloperoxidase (MPO), an in whole blood using flow cytometry with the neutrophil activation marker 2'7'dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Hypopigmented pigs were treated with the experimental 21-aminosteroid lipid antioxidant U-74389G (oxygen free radical scavenger) before dorsal random skin flaps were elevated. Extent of flap survival was measured by surface planimetry 7 days after surgery. Mean flap survival was 64.1% +/- 3.4% in the 3-mg/kg-treated group, and 68.0% +/- 3.4% in the 1-mg/kg-treated group-both significantly greater than the survival in vehicle-treated controls (48.6% +/- 2.3%). We measured MPO in tissue extracts using an enzyme-linked immunoassay, which showed less MPO in treated animals than in controls. Flow cytometry results were nonspecific. These data suggest that U-74389G improves random skin flap viability by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration into the flap.
Insights
This study shows that the antioxidant U-74389G enhances random skin flap survival by reducing neutrophil infiltration. This suggests a new therapeutic approach for improving flap viability in surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Wound Healing Research
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Neutrophils release damaging free oxygen radicals in inflamed tissues.
- Neutrophil infiltration impacts random flap survival in reconstructive surgery.
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key marker for neutrophil activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neutrophils in random flap survival.
- To evaluate the efficacy of U-74389G, an oxygen free radical scavenger, in improving flap viability.
- To assess the impact of U-74389G on neutrophil infiltration.
Main Methods:
- Dorsal random skin flaps were created in hypopigmented pigs.
- Animals were treated with U-74389G or a vehicle control.
- Flap survival was quantified using surface planimetry.
- Neutrophil infiltration was assessed by measuring MPO levels in tissue.
Main Results:
- U-74389G treatment significantly increased random skin flap survival compared to controls.
- Mean flap survival was 64.1% and 68.0% in treated groups versus 48.6% in controls.
- Tissue MPO levels were significantly lower in U-74389G treated animals, indicating reduced neutrophil infiltration.
Conclusions:
- The experimental antioxidant U-74389G effectively improves random skin flap viability.
- Inhibition of neutrophil infiltration by U-74389G is the likely mechanism for enhanced flap survival.
- These findings support U-74389G as a potential therapeutic agent in plastic and reconstructive surgery.