EFFECT OF BERAPROST SODIUM (PROCYLIN(TM)), A STABLE PROSTAGLANDIN I-2ANALOG, ON A DORSAL SKIN FLAP MODEL IN RATS

Beraprost sodium, a chemically stable prostaglandin I-2 analogue with antiplatelet vasodilator actions, was tested by comparing the extent o f viability of random pattern skin flaps in control rats and rats trea ted with beraprost sodium. An isolated tail based 2 x 7 cm flap was co nstructed in 50 Sprague-Dawley rats. In group 1 (beraprost sodium trea ted group, n = 25) 0.015 mg beraprost sodium were injected intraperito neally immediately after the flap had been raised. In group 2 (control group, n = 25) the animals were injected intraperitoneally with the s ame volume of saline immediately after the flap had been raised. At th e end of the seventh day the flap survival area was documented using d igital planimetry. The difference between the results showed that bera prost sodium had significantly beneficial effect on skin flap survival (p < 0.01, Welch's test).