OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of streptokinase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on venous occlusion after limb reimplantation was tested in rats. METHODS: Amputation with preservation of vessels and nerves of the right hind limb was carried out in 140 rats. Groups MG0, MG1, MG2, MG3 and MG4 were submitted to 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours of venous occlusion. MG3 was elected as control for the experimental groups. Groups EG1 and EG2 were submitted to 3 hours of venous occlusion and were treated with streptokinase and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Limbs were observed for 7 days and their mortality and survival rates were studied. RESULTS: Trans-operatory mortality rates in groups MG0, MG1, MG2, MG3 and MG4 were 0, 10, 15, 30 and 60% respectively and the postoperatory mortality rates were 5; 11.1; 11.7; 14.2 and 100% respectively. The limb survival rates were 100%, 87.5%, 80% and 66.67% respectively and 76.9% and 100% in EG1 and EG2. Model groups were statistically different, except for MG1 and MG2 in trans-operatory mortality rates. There were no statistical differences in postoperatory mortality rates between model groups except for MG3 and MG4. Model groups were statistically different, with the exception of MG1 and MG2, in limb survival rates. EG1 and MG3 showed no statistical difference in limb survival and EG2 had a better limb survival than MG3. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the administration of streptokinase does not change effects of venous occlusion and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may decrease the effects of venous occlusion in limbs.
Rat limb; Venous occlusion; Streptokinase; Hyperbaric oxygen
