Oxygen Consumption by Granulation Tissue in Bipedicle Tube Flaps

Abstract

The oxygen consumption rate (Qo₂) of granulation tissue from cylinders implanted in bipedicle tube flaps of rabbits was measured weeks 2 to 7 in vitro in a Biological Oxygen Monitor®. Granulation tissue from cylinders implanted in skin folds was used as control. The Qo₂ of granulation tissue decreased slowly as the oxygen tension in the medium fell. All measurements were made at an oxygen tension of 75 mmHg. At week 2 the Qo₂ of granulation tissue in flaps was high and a decrease occurred between week 2 and week 4. A further decrease took place between weeks 6 and 7 and a very low Qo₂ was found at week 7. Control granulation tissue showed a higher Qo₂ than skin flap granulation tissue at weeks 3, 4, 5 and 7.