J Reconstr Microsurg 1990; 6(1): 77-83
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006807
BASIC SCIENCE REVIEW

© 1990 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Ischemia-Induced Reperfusion Injury in Muscle Flaps: Pathogenesis and Major Source of Free Radicals

Cho Y. Pang
  • Divisions of Surgical Research and Plastic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children and Departments of Surgery and Physiology, University of Toronto
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1989

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Experimental evidence available currently indicates that injury to the muscle during reperfusion is most likely mediated by oxygen-derived free radicals (oxyradicals). The major oxyradical generating system in the skeletal muscle has yet to be identified so that an appropriate oxyradical-generating inhibitor and/or scavenger can be selected for the prevention of ischemia-induced reperfusion injury to the skeletal muscle. In addition, apart from generating oxyradicals, the activated leukocytes, platelets, and vascular endothelial cells are also known to synthesize and release vasoconstrictive substances and/or chemoattractants for leukocytes. The role of these locally released chemical substances in the pathogenesis of ischemia-induced reperfusion injury in muscle flaps has yet to be elucidated. The pathophysiology of ischemia-induced reperfusion injury to the skeletal muscle in muscle flaps is reviewed.