Effect of perfusion during ischemia on skeletal muscle

Abstract Background. Despite the established preservation method for major organs of perfusion followed by immersion at hypothermia, a standard preservation technique for skeletal muscle is still a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of perfusion on the preservation of skeletal muscle in amputated limbs. Materials and method. The rat hindlimb was amputated for perfusion with Euro-Collins (EC) or University of Wisconsin (UW) solution at different perfusion pressures (40 or 100 cm-gravity). After certain ischemic periods (4 or 5 h), the skeletal muscle viability was determined by measuring the tissue content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Result. The UW solution perfusion group maintained better ATP levels than the EC solution group when the ischemic period was extended to 5 h. The perfusion pressure of 100 cm-gravity was more effective for preserving muscle viability than 40 cm-gravity with both EC and UW solutions. Conclusion. UW solution might be adequate to preserve muscle viability and perfusion pressure is recommended at 100 cm-gravity rather than at minimal pressure (40 cm-gravity), which washes out stagnant blood.