J Reconstr Microsurg 2018; 34(02): 138-144
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1607304
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Effects of Tirofiban on Random Skin Flap Survival in Rats

Liang Cheng
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
,
Tingxiang Chen
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
,
Hang Li
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
,
Zhenghua Feng
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
,
Zhijie Li
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
,
Dingsheng Lin
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

02 July 2017

24 August 2017

Publication Date:
09 October 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Background Tirofiban is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist that is widely used clinically. In the present study, we investigated whether tirofiban promotes flap survival in rat random skin flap model.

Methods “McFarlane flaps” models were developed in 60 male rats. The rats were divided into a tirofiban-treated group (n = 30) and a saline-treated group (n = 30). The flap surviving rate was calculated 7 days after surgery. Tissue samples were collected and subjected to histopathological evaluation. Lead oxide–gelatin angiography and immunohistochemical staining analysis were taken to evaluate angiogenesis. Analysis of oxidative stress was performed by measuring the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

Results Compared with controls, the tirofiban-treated groups exhibited significantly larger mean areas of flap survival, significantly increased SOD activity, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and significantly reduced MDA level. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that naringin promoted angiogenesis and inhibited inflammation.

Conclusion These findings demonstrate that tirofiban increases flap survival of random skin flaps in rats.