Effects of Muscone on Random Skin Flap Survival in Rats

Background The necrosis of a distal area of random skin flap remains challenging. Muscone can increase blood flow and reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury, this study was undertaken to investigate the effects of muscone on random skin flap survival. Materials McFarlane flaps were established in 72 rats and divided into two groups. The test group received intraperitoneal injections of muscone (0.64 mg/kg/d); control rats received intraperitoneal injections of saline. The percentage flap survival area and tissue water content were measured after 7 days. Flap angiogenesis was assessed via lead oxide-gelatin angiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry and western blotting for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The extent of apoptosis was evaluated by immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase 3 and western blotting for cleaved caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl2. Oxidative stress status was assessed by measuring the activity of tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Results Compared with controls, muscone-treated flaps displayed greater survival area lower tissue water content. Muscone increased skin flap angiogenesis and activated VEGF expression. SOD activity and MDA content indicated lower oxidative stress in muscone-treated flaps than controls, and western blotting and immunohistochemistry revealed significantly lower apoptosis. Conclusion Muscone have a positive effect to promote the survival of random skin flap.