Effects of metallothionein on flap necrosis and apoptosis

Abstract

Objective To investigate whether metallothionein （MT） influences necrosis and expression of bcl-2 and bax in random pattern skin flaps of rats. Methods After flap operation, the rats in MT group were injected with MT, and those in control group received an injection of drug-free saline. Survival rate of the flaps was measured and the changes in the tissue were observed under the light microscopy. By using Doppler, the blood flow of flap was measured. The expression of bcl-2 and bax was detected. Results The survival area in MT group （ 69. 88 ± 3.12） % was significantly greater （ P 〈 0. 01 ） than that in control group （ 60. 65 - 2. 98 ） %. There were more inflammatory cells in control group than in MT group. LDF in MT group was significiently higher than that in control group （P 〈0. 01） 1st h, 2nd h, 3rd h, 6th h, 1st day, 3rd day, 6th and 7th day postoperatiou and at the 10th day postoperation （P 〈0. 05）. At the 3rd day postoperation, the expression of bcl-2 in MT group （2. 98 ± 0. 23 ） was significantly higher than that in control group （ 1.24 ± 0. 11 ） （ P 〈 0. 01 ）. The expression of bax in MT group （0. 09 ± 0. 02） was significantly lower than that in control group （ 0. 23 ± 0. 09 ） （ P 〈 0. 01 ）. Conclusion MT can affect the expression of bcl-2 and bax and significantly promote survival of skin flap. Key words: Surgical flap; Metallothionein; Apoptosis