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Microvascular effects of therapeutic topical negative pressure application (TNPA)
Author(s) -
Langfitt Maxwell,
Webb Lawrence,
Smith Thomas L
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a486
Subject(s) - cremaster muscle , vasodilation , perfusion , chemistry , biophysics , medicine , microcirculation , biology
Intro : TNPA is a clinical treatment for wounds and non‐healing ulcers. TNPA reduces edema and bacterial load, increases tissue perfusion, and promotes tissue granulation. The mechanism(s) through which it effects change in a wound is unknown. This study utilized a rat cremaster microvascular preparation to study the effects of differing degrees of TNPA on arteriolar diameter in a striated muscle. Methods : The cremaster muscle of S‐D rats (110–200g) was stretched over a porous polyethylene pedestal, covered with a coverslip, and allowed to stabilize for one hour. A2 arterioles, 61–92μ in diameter, were studied before and after 2, 6, or 10 kPa of TNPA to the underside of the pedestal (n=10 animals per pressure group). A separate, non‐TNPA control group was studied over a comparable time course. Results : Arterioles in all three TNPA groups demonstrated significant (p<0.05) vasodilation in response to TNPA. Dilation ranged from 8.7–10.4 % for TNPA's of 2–10 kPa, and persisted after cessation of TNPA at 10 kPa. Measurable amounts of fluid were removed from the cremaster preparation by the application of all TNPA's. Controls did not demonstrate a significant change in arteriolar diameter over the time‐course of the experiments. Discussion : These studies provide the first direct measure of a vasodilatory response in arterioles induced by TNPA within the therapeutic range of pressures used clinically. Similar clinical responses would result in a significant increase in perfusion. Persistent vasodilation could elicit an angiogenic response, which, when combined with removal of extravasated fluid, would promote tissue healing. “Supported in part by the NIH Short Term Research Training of Medical Students grant 5 T32HL007115‐27 .”