Effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin on Revascularization of Full Thickness Skin Grafts in Rat

BACKGROUND: Autologous skin graft is frequently used in the field of plastic, and reconstructive surgery. The engraftment is dependent upon revascularization and angiogenesis, which can be regulated by different factors. In addition to its hematopoietic effects, erythropoietin is shown to positively affect the wound healing process. OBJECTIVES: We studied effects of human erythropoietin on revascularization of full thickness skin grafts in rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult Albino male rats were selected for this study. Full thickness skin graft was performed for them, and the effects of systemic, and localized administration of erythropoietin on vascularization of the graft area were evaluated in four groups as following: inverse group underwent full thickness skin graft; in normal saline group normal saline was injected under the fascia of grafted area for seven days; systemic EPO group received systemic erythropoietin for seven days after the surgery; and in graft EPO group, erythropoietin was injected under the fascia of grafted area after full thickness skin grafting for seven days. RESULTS: Forty adult Albino male rats (n = 40), with weights ranging from 356 to 469 g (mean 391.5 ± 29.6 g) were included. The vascular densities of central margins were significantly different between inverse group and graft EPO groups (P value = 0.01), and vascular density of central margins of normal saline group and graft EPO groups were significantly different too (P value = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: EPO can stimulate angiogenesis which has an important role in wound healing. So, local administration of EPO seems to be beneficial in engraftment.