Arch Plast Surg.  2014 Nov;41(6):647-653. 10.5999/aps.2014.41.6.647.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Survival of the Composite Graft and the Proper Time of Injection in a Rabbit Ear Composite Graft Model

• Choi HN
• Han YS
• Kim SR
• Kim HK
• Kim H
• Park JH

• KMID: 2267613
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2014.41.6.647

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Administration of growth factors has been associated with increased viability of composite grafts greater than 1-cm in diameter. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains many of the growth factors studied. In this study, we evaluate the effect of PRP injection on composite graft viability and the proper time for injection.
METHODS
A total of 24 New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups. Autologous PRP was injected into the recipient sites three days before grafting in group 1, on the day of grafting in group 2, and three days after grafting in group 3. Group 4 served as control without PRP administration. Auricular composite grafts of 3-cm diameter were harvested and grafted back into place after being rotated 180 degrees. Median graft viability and microvessel density were evaluated at day 21 of graft via macroscopic photographs and immunofluorescent staining, respectively.
RESULTS
The median graft survival rate was 97.8% in group 1, 69.2% in group 2, 55.7% in group 3, and 40.8% in the control group. The median vessel counts were 34 (per x200 HPF) in group 1, 24.5 in group 2, 19.5 in group 3, and 10.5 in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that PRP administration is associated with increased composite graft viability. All experimental groups showed a significantly higher survival rate and microvessel density, compared with the control group. Pre-administration of PRP was followed by the highest graft survival rate and revascularization. PRP treatments are minimally invasive, fast, easily applicable, and inexpensive, and offer a potential clinical pathway to larger composite grafts.

Keyword

Platelet-rich plasma; Growth substances; Tissue transplantation; Graft survival

MeSH Terms

Critical Pathways
Ear*
Graft Survival
Growth Substances
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Microvessels
Platelet-Rich Plasma*
Rabbits
Survival Rate
Tissue Transplantation
Transplants*
Growth Substances
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins