EFFECTS OF LIPO-PROSTAGLANDIN E(1) ON RANDOM PATTERN FLAPS IN RABBITS

The effects of lipo-prostaglandin (PG) E(1) which are lipid microspher es containing PGE(1), were examined using 2 x 12 cm random pattern ski n flaps on the backs of five rabbits. Five rabbits acted as controls. Both surviving length (8.5 (3.1) compared with 4.9 (1.8) cm) and survi ving area (22.1 (9.3) compared with 11.5 (6.1) cm(2)) of the skin flap were significantly increased (p < 0.03 in each case). In three additi onal rabbits the blood flow on the distal side of the skin flap, where it was poor, was measured using a laser image blood flowmeter. Blood how was improved five to 15 minutes after injection of lipo-PGE(1) and was maintained for at least 60 minutes. In conclusion, lipo-PGE(1) in creased the blood flow of the random skin flaps, resulting in signific ant enlargement of the surviving area of skin flaps.