The Promising Effect of Colchicine on Random-Pattern Skin Flap Survival in Rats: Glutamate Pathway Publisher Pubmed



Tabary M^{1, 2, 3} ; Aryannejad A^{1, 2} ; Noroozi N^{1, 2} ; Iranshahi S⁴ ; Mohammad Jafari R¹ ; Mashinchi B^{1, 2} ; Tavangar SM⁵ ; Araghi F⁶ ; Dehpour AR^{1, 2}
Source: Journal of Surgical Research Published:2022

Abstract

Background: Random-pattern skin flap is a conventional procedure in reconstructive surgery, yet partial or complete flap necrosis has remained a major issue. Herein, we investigated the potential effects of colchicine on skin flap survival through the glutamate pathway and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Methods: Wistar male rats were injected multiple doses of colchicine intraperitoneally (0.02, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.4 mg/kg) before the surgery. MK-801 (a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist) was administered in combination with colchicine to assess the role of glutamate. Histopathological evaluation; quantitative assessment of glutamate, IL-6, and TNF-α; and the expression of NR2A-type NMDA receptors were performed in the skin tissue. Results: Colchicine 0.05 mg/kg could significantly promote flap survival compared to the control group (P < 0.001), while administration of MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg) reversed the effect of colchicine (0.05 mg/kg) (P < 0.001). Levels of IL-6 and TNF-α decreased, and the expression of NR2A-type NMDA receptors was enhanced in the flap tissue of colchicine 0.05 mg/kg group compared to the controls. Also, glutamate level significantly increased after the administration of colchicine 0.05 mg/kg compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Conclusions: We found that colchicine could improve skin flap survival remarkably in rats that have undergone skin flap surgery through the glutamate pathway and NMDA receptors. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.