ABSTRACT
Purpose: To verify the possible role of uric acid as a monitor of oxidative stress in a random skin flap, in the rat. Methods: This study utilized 21 adult male Wistar-EPM rats divided, at random, in three groups of seven animals, to evaluate the behavior of uric acid levels during oxidative stress zero, 5 and 15 minutes after elevation of the flap. According toS the time schedule, skin samples were collected in order to allow determination of uric acid and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: Uric acid levels in the skin samples did not change with time, but the values in normal skin were higher since the beginning. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the skin samples remained stable throughout. Conclusion: Uric acid levels in the flap skin were lower than those in the normal skin, denoting local oxidative stress.