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Augmentation of rat skin flap viability by relaxin‐expressing adenovirus
Author(s) -
Lee Won Jai,
Yun ChaeOk,
Yun In Sik,
Kim YongOock,
Choi IlKyu,
Yun Tae Jin,
Rah Dong Kyun
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
wound repair and regeneration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.847
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1524-475X
pISSN - 1067-1927
DOI - 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2011.00733.x
Subject(s) - relaxin , angiogenesis , saline , vascular endothelial growth factor , medicine , neovascularization , laser doppler velocimetry , blood flow , skin flap , andrology , endocrinology , hormone , surgery , vegf receptors
Relaxin ( RLX ) has multiple vascular actions, including vasodilation and angiogenesis, which occur via induction of vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) expression. We generated a RLX ‐expressing ( dE 1‐ RGD / lacZ / RLX ) adenovirus and investigated whether it enhances skin flap survival. Thirty Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into three groups: RLX ‐expressing adenovirus group, control virus group, and phosphate‐buffered saline ( PBS ) group. Two days before surgery and immediately after flap elevation, the caudally based flap that was 3 × 9 cm in size was subdermally injected with the dE 1‐ RGD / lacZ / RLX virus (10 7 PFU ), dE 1‐ RGD / lacZ virus (10 7 PFU ), or PBS . The surviving area of the flap and the amount of blood flow were measured. On postoperative day 10, CD 31‐positive vessels and VEGF protein expression were examined. We observed a significant increase in the survival area of the flap in the RLX group. Doppler measurement also showed significantly increased blood flow immediately after the operation and on postoperative days 7 and 10. CD 31‐positive vessels and VEGF protein expression were significantly greater in the RLX group. Thus, administration of RLX ‐expressing adenovirus into elevated skin flaps increased VEGF expression, the number of capillaries, and blood flow to the flap, thereby improving skin flap survival.