THE EFFECT OF GLUTATHIONE, SUPEROXIDE-DISMUTASE AND ADENOSINE-TRIPHOSPHATE ON VENOUS FLAP SURVIVAL

Oxygen-derived free radicals and the energy supply for resynthesis are important factors that affect flap survival. An experimental rabbit m odel was designed to investigate the effects of the free radical scave ngers, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and adenosine tr iphosphate (ATP-MgCl2), on venous nap survival. Four 4x6 cm flaps were elevated in each animal along the axis of the thoraco-epigastric vein s. Postoperatively, the agents were administered intravenously and rel ative flap survival was measured after two weeks. Mean flap survival, using the free radical scavengers, ranged between 76 and 87%, which sh owed a significant improvement over saline controls (68.73%, p<0.01). The respective mechanisms of the individual agents are discussed.