Alpha-trinositol reduces edema formation at the site of scald injury

The effects of alpha-trinositol (1D-myo-inositol-1,2,6-triphosphate, IP3) on burn-induced edema formation were investigated.

Lymph flow (QL; microliter/min) and lymph-to-plasma protein ratio (CL/CP) were monitored in groups of five to six dogs before and 4 hours after (1) a 5-second 100 degrees C or 90 degrees C foot paw scald; (2) IP3 (45 mg/kg intravenous bolus, then a 20 mg/kg/hr infusion) 30 minutes before or after 100 degrees C scald, or 30 minutes after 90 degrees C scald. Hind paw venous pressure was elevated and maintained by outflow restriction until reaching steady state QL and (CL/CP)min. Macromolecular reflection coefficient (1-CL/CP) was measured. Fluid filtration coefficient (Kf; ml/min/mm Hg/100 gm) was calculated. Relative paw weight gain (%) was measured.

Compared with preburn values, scald uniformly produced significant increases in QL, CL/CP, and Kf, IP3 significantly (p < 0.02, ANOVA) reduced paw weight gain when given before, but not after, 100 degrees C burn (41% +/- 5% versus 18% +/- 7% preburn IP3 and 31% +/- 3% postburn IP3). Compared with 90 degrees C burn animals, postburn treatment significantly (p < 0.017) attenuated 4-hour increases in QL (550 +/- 87 versus 252 +/- 29 microliters/min), Kf (0.016 +/- 00 versus 0.007 +/- 00 microliter/min/mm/Hg/100 gm), and relative paw weight gain (28% +/- 3% versus 12% +/- 5%).

alpha-Trinositol given after a 90 degrees C scald blunted edema formation at the site of scald, likely through reduced transmembrane fluid flux.