Short-term molecular and cellular effects of ischemia/reperfusion on vascularized lymph node flaps in rats.

ABSTRACT: Vascularized lymph node (VLN) transfer is an emerging strategy to re-establish lymphatic drainage in chronic lymphedema. However, the biological processes underlying lymph node integration remain elusive. This study introduces an experimental approach facilitating the analysis of short-term molecular and cellular effects of ischemia/reperfusion on VLN flaps. Lymph node flaps were dissected pedicled on the lateral thoracic vessels in 44 Lewis rats. VLN flaps were exposed to 45 or 120 minutes ischemia by in situ clamping of the vascular pedicle with subsequent reperfusion for 24 hours. Flaps not exposed to ischemia/reperfusion served as controls. Lymph nodes and the perinodal adipose tissue were separately analyzed by Western blot for the expression of lymphangiogenic and angiogenic growth f

SUBMITTER: Frueh FS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7537894 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature