Effect of Phentolamine and Propranolol on the Survival of Experimental Skin Flaps

The effect of phentolamine and/or propranolol (alpha- and beta-receptor blocking compounds respectively) on the survival of skin flaps was studied in rats. Phentolamine and/or propranolol were injected intraperitoneally every 12 hours, starting one day before the flap operation, and continued for 5 consecutive days. One week after the operation the survival of the flaps was judged. Systemic treatment with either compound alone or in combination resulted in statistically significant increased survival of the flaps. The results demonstrate that both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors influence the survival of skin flaps in rats.