Effect of local cryotherapy and elevation on dextran-induced edema in the hind paw of rats

RESUMO

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of local cryotherapy associated with elevation in the course of dextran induced-edema in the hind paw of rats. The animals were divided into five groups as it follows: control group (n=10); elevation of paw during 30 minutes (n=10); elevation of paw during one hour (n=10); cryotherapy and elevation for 30 minutes (n=10) and cryotherapy and elevation for 1 hour (n=10). The increase in the thickness of the paw was expressed in percentage, considering the values obtained before and 30 minutes, 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours after the application of dextran. The data were analysed by test of Student, at the 5(per cent) level of significance. The results of this research showed that cryotherapy associated with elevation reduced dextran induced edema in the hind paw of rats more effectively when applied for one hour rather than 30 minutes. This suggests that cryotherapy and paw elevation have influence in the course of edema. Paw elevation was probably responsable for decreasing capillary hydrostatic pressure and increasing lymphatic function. Cryotherapy produced vasoconstriction, reduced metabolism and also reduced liberation and action of histamine in the endothelial junctions.