Effect Of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) On Survival Of Superlength Random Skin Flaps In The Rat

Objective : The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on survival of a full thickness and big proportion and superlength random flap and on angiogenesis of subdermal vessels of the flaps in the rat and to understand its effects on the whole survival of skin flaps thoroughly so as to provide the rationale for its clinical use.Methods : A 1.5×6.0cm full thickness dorsal flap (length/ width = 4/ 1)with thepedicle remaining attached at the anterior end was elevated in 24 Wistar rats. The rats was randomized into two groups and received the following treatment :group rhGH( n = 12) : subdermal rhGH injection into the subcutaneous fascial layer in the area where the flap would be dissected at the dose of 0.1IU/kg(0.25ml)after flap elevation instantly, and then sutured to its original bed, group normal saline(n=12) : subdermal normal saline( 0.25ml) injection into the subcutaneous fascial layer in the area where the flap would be dissected at the dose of 0.1IU/kg(0.25ml) after flap elevation instantly and then sutured to its original bed.The flap was then raised 7 days after injection. On postoperative day 7, all the animals were sacrificed by overdose anesthetic .the survival area of each skin paddle was measured with planimetry. and Two samples were harvested from each group for pathological check and immunohistochemical test. Flap survival was studied, histologic studies were performed and blood vessel density were mersured. The data from the experiment were analyzed statistically.Results : After seven days recovery ,the area of flap survival was measured. Mean flap survival area in group rhGH was7. 31±0.13 cm~2, , group normal saline was 4. 53 ±0. 08 cm~2. There was significant difference between group rhGH and group normal...