An Effects of a New PGE1: Lipo-AS013 on Blood Flow and Survival of Skin Flap

ABSTRACT

Prostaglandin E1(PGE1) is known to have various physiological action such as vasodilatation, decrease of blood pressure, angiogenesis, inhibition of platelet aggregation and so forth. PGE1 has been developed in many different formulations in order to overcome its chemical instability and deactivation in the lungs when administered parenterally. Lipo-AS013 is a potent drug with higher chemical stability and greater vascular wall targeting than others. The study was done on 3x10 cm model flap of dorsal skin of Sprague-Dawley rats and the flap perfusion survival were observed and documented. The flap treated with Lipo-AS013 beforehand was given intravenously Sodium fluorescein 10 minutes later, and then Percent Dye Fluorescence Index(% DFI) was calculated. The results were compared to a control group and the group administered locally epinephrine. In the control group, the % DFI and flap survival rate increased from 54.1+/-6.7 to 65.0+/-2.6(p<0.01) while in Lipo-AS013 group from 55.3+/-2.2 to 67.4+/-1.9(p<0.01), respectively. In the epinephrine group, the % DFI(p<0.05) and flap survival rate(p<0.001) decreased. In the both epinephrine and Lipo-AS013 group Percent DFI and flap survival rate are comparable with the control group. The result indicates that the potent Lipo-AS013 enhances the blood flow and flap survival. This highly potent Lipo-AS013 may have targeting ability and accumulate PGE1 onto the vascular walls. A quantitative analysis of fluorescence on the skin surface is a reliable tool to measure the blood perfusion into an ischemic flap and its viability. Further comparative study with conventional PGE1 and Lipo-PGE1 is needed in order to clarify the action and efficiency of Lipo-AS013.