Controlled Frostbite Injury to Mice: Outcome of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) lessens tissue loss in an established frostbite model. This model represents a minimal tissue injury which should be amendable to a therapeutic intervention. Eighteen nude mice received a hypothermic injury to the ear (-4OC for 3 min). After freezing, rapid rewarming of the ear was accomplished by immersing the ear in warm water. The mice were randomized into 2 groups, an air control (chamber treatment with normobaric air) and a HBO group (100% 02 at 2.8 ATA), each for 90 min provided once per day for 7 d. The animals were killed and the percentage of tissue necrosis was determined by weight planimetry. The tissue damage (expressed as a percentage of area of necrosis per total preinjury area) in the air control group was 25 +- 17% (mean +- SD, and in the HBO group it was 20 +- 16% (P = 0.19). We conclude that HBO (2.8 ATA) given once per day did not significantly reduce tissue damage measured by weight planimetry in the nude mouse ear model of hypothermic injury. Abstract here: http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/5600