The Influence of a Vasodilator on the Revascularization of a Skin Graft

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Abstract
Full-thickness scrotal skin autografts have been placed on the ears of rabbits. The rabbits have been separated into a control group and a group receiving twice daily injections of isoxsuprine (Duvadilan®), a potent vasodilator. Microangiography revealed that circulation developed in the grafts of both the control and isoxsuprine treated groups between 24 and 48 hours after grafting. However, microangiograms of the grafts on the vasodilator treated animals showed circulation in a greater number of vessels, filling of more smaller branching vessels and more vasodilation. These differences were most marked between the second and the fifth day after grafting. Graft vessel vasodilatation and the number of connections between the recipient bed and the graft vessels were also slightly increased by the vasodilator. These effects appeared to be due to increased blood flow in the recipient bed caused by the vasodilator. Graft edema was more pronounced and cleared more slowly in the vasodilator treated group. The better graft circulation observed in isoxsuprine treated animals in this study suggests that the drug might well be useful in clinical skin grafting especially where a recipient bed is poorly vascularized. Further laboratory and clinical investigations of the effect of isoxsuprine on graft acceptance appear to be warranted.