Immunoreactive Change of Neuropeptides in Gastrocnemius Muscle and Dorsal Root Ganglia of Rat Followed by Ischemia

There are much evidences to indicate that muscles and its tendon are inserted during the reperfusion phase of ischemia-reperfusion insults. However, until now the alterations of neurotransmitter induced by ischemia- reperfusion have not been examined in peripheral nervous system. This study reports the alterations of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) and substance P(SP) in the hindlimb ischemic model by immunohistochemical methods. In the control group, the CGRP and SP immunoreactivity was observed in nerve terminals of gastrocnemius muscle and its tendon. In the dorsal root ganglia, CGRP immunoreactivity was shown in the large A cell and small B cell. On the other hand, SP immunoreactvity was predominantly detected in small B cells. The CGRP immunoreactivity in the gastrocnemius muscle increased significantly in 2 hour ischemic group, but decreased in its tendon. The SP immunoreactivity, however, was declined in the gastrocnemius muscle as well as its tendon in 2 hour ischemic group. The CGRP immunoreactivity in the dorsal root ganglia was significantly decreased, particularly in large A cell, compared to the control group. The SP immunoreactivity in the dorsal root ganglia, on the other hand, was markedly increased. In conclusion, these results suggest that the ischemia may evoke the alteration of neurotransmitter expressions as well as the muscle degeneration, and that the changes of neuropeptide distribution induced by ischemia show the difference from the kind of neuropeptides.

Clinical Experiences in Management of the Extensive Flame Burns Dorsal Hand by Early Excision and Graft

This study was carried out to examine the effect of early excision and graft for the preservation of the maximal function on the dorsal hand with deep second degree and third degree flame burns. From December 1996 to October 1998, 11 flame burn patients admitted to our hospital burn unit. Nine patients had injured burns less than 20% Total Burn Surface Area, and 2 patients were 70% Total Burn Surface Area(mean 18.4%). We had performed the excision 3-8 days(mean 4.6 days) after burn injury. Ten (90.9%) of eleven patients survived, and 1 patient (Total Burn Surface Area 70%) died of sepsis after early excision. The duration of immobilization was 8-17 days (mean 11.5 days). Twelve months later, the range of motion in all patients has been continued to maintain nearly normal range of motion. We conclude that early excision and grafting was recommended as the preferred form of treatment in patients with deep second degree and third degree on the extensive flame burns of dorsal hand.

Clinical Experiences in Reconstruction of Postburn Scar Contractures Using AlloDerm(R)

No abstract available.