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. PGE₁has 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 3 x 10cm 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-PGE₁is needed in order to clarify the action and efficiency of Lipo-AS013.