The additive effects of carnitine and ascorbic acid on distally burned dorsal skin flap in rats
Creator
Arslan E; Basterzi Y; Aksoy A; Majka C; Unal S; Sari A; Demirkan F
Publisher
Medical Science Monitor
Date
2005
2005-06
Description
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of combined use of L-carnitine and vitamin C on partially burned skin flap in an experimental rat model. Material/Methods: In the rat dorsal skin, a 10x3 cm flap was marked. The most distal 3x3 cm part was burned to full thickness. Twenty-four rats were randomized into four groups with 6 animals in each. Group 1 was simply followed tip. Group 2 was given 0.5 mg/kg vitamin C per day for 7 days, group 3 100 mg/kg carnitine per day for 7 days, and group 4 both carnitine and vitamin C. On the eighth postoperative day, the animals were sacrificed and examined. The surviving and necrotic areas were determined by macroscopic examination and measured with a planimeter. Results: The areas of flap necrosis were measured. The median surviving areas and areas of flap necrosis, respectively, of the groups were: group 1, 16.0 cm(2) and 14.0 cm(2); group 2, 18.25 cm(2) and 11.75 cm(2); group 3, 20.0 cm(2) and 10 cm(2); and group 4, 23.75 cm(2) and 6.25 cm(2). The surviving areas of the groups were found to be significantly different (p=0.000).