ABSTRACT
The epithelialization, contraction and deposition of connective tissue are the mechanisms by which wounds heal Studies have shown that L-Arginine favors wound hearing by increasing the synthesis of collagen. This paper aimed at studying the effects of L-Arginine supplementation on in vivo concentrations of glucose, pyruvate, lactate and ketone bodies in the blood and in myocutaneous flaps undergoing hearing.Forty-four white male Wistar rats were distributed in two groups: (G-l/Control) and (G-2/Expeiiment). The G-1 animals received iso-proteic casein supplementation and the G-2 group received L-Arginine by gavage daily. Beth groups were submitted to pediculated and dorsal myocutaneous flaps. In the post-operative period, each group was subdivided into three subgroups and, after 7, 14 and 30 days, blood and scar tissue samples were collected for analyses of enzymes. The drop in blood concentrations of pyruvate, lactate and ketone bodies on the 14th day suggests higher utilization of these metabolites in peripheral tissues by a possible anabolic action of L-Arginine. The increase of tissue concentrations of ketone bodies in the myocutaneous flap on the 30th post-operative day in animals treated with L-Arginine food supplementation indicates a probable increase in the utilization of these metabolites by tissues under scarring. The results suggest that L-Arginine supplementation has an effect on serum concentrations of substrates and on skin and muscle scarring.