[Effects of L-arginine on the microcirculation of rat island skin flaps after ischemia- reperfusion].

Objective: To investigate the effects of L-arginine on the microcirculation and survival of rat island skin flaps after ischemia-reperfusion.

Method: A right lower abdominal island flap was created in SD rats and the microcirculatory blood flow in these flaps measured with laser Doppler velocimetry following L-arginine injection via the contralateral femoral artery. Both NO and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the flaps were assayed and the survival of the flaps replanted in situ was evaluated 1 week later.