Effect of botulinum toxin type a in dorsal cutaneous flap viability in rats in different clinical conditions

Abstract

In plastic surgery, flap coverage has been used since ancient times (3000bC). Despite it is a well known technique, necrosis can be observed. Many factors can provoke this complication, such as diabetes and smokers. In order to avoid this, the authors suggest botulinum toxin type A (BontA) injection to increased flap viability in rats in normal (control), diabetic and smoker conditions. Material and Method: 90, 12 week-old, Wistar male rats will be divided in six groups (N=15): control /saline solution; control/BontA, sidestream smokers/saline; sidestream/BontA; diabetic/saline; diabetic/BontA. Before surgical procedure, all animals will be injected by saline ou BontA, depending on the group classification. A 3x10cm cutaneous flap will be done. After seven days, all animals will be euthanasied. Gross photography will be taken in vivo. After euthanasia, histological samples will be perfomed. Image J software will be assessed to area calculation (viable, necrosis). The samples will be submitted to hematoxilin-eosin method and stereological study will be performed by image pro 6.0 device. This instrument will evaluate arteries diameters and wall thickness of all arteries in the sample. (AU)