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Secondary ischemic tolerance improved by administration of L‐NAME in rat flaps
Author(s) -
Knox Laura K.,
Angel Michael F.,
Gamper Thomas,
Amiss L. R.,
Morgan Raymond F.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-2752(1996)17:8<425::aid-micr1>3.0.co;2-d
Subject(s) - medicine , ischemia , nitric oxide , superoxide , anesthesia , surgery , perfusion , vein , saline , enzyme , biochemistry , chemistry
Nitric oxide (NO) under basal conditions is an important regulator of vascular tone. Under ischemic conditions, however, NO can combine with superoxide anion to produce the damaging hydroxyl free radical. The current project observes the effect of inhibiting NO production (L‐Nitro‐amino‐methyl‐arginine, L‐NAME) on flaps rendered ischemic by secondary (2°) venous obstruction. Eighty rats had 3 × 6 cm skin flaps based on the epigastric vessels. Primary (1°) ischemia was produced by arteriovenous occlusion for 2 hours; (2°) venous ischemia was induced by clamping the vein, alone for either 3 or 5 hours. Thirty minutes prior to 2° ischemia, rats received either L‐NAME (30 mg/kg) or saline buffer. Flap survival was assessed 7 days later and Chi‐square analysis was used. At 3 hours of ischemia, treatment improved survival from 55% to 85% ( P < 0.05). Treatment also improved survival at 5 hours of ischemia from 5% to 35% ( P < 0.04). Although under resting conditions, NO is a potent vasodilator, during 2° venous obstruction it may contribute to flap necrosis. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 17:425‐427 1996