Potential Use of Carbon Monoxide as a Non-Surgical Intervention in a Rat Model of Acute Compartment Syndrome
Abstract
Acute limb compartment syndrome (ACS), a potentially devastating complication of musculoskeletal trauma, results in muscle necrosis and cell death. Ischemia and inflammation both contribute to microvascular dysfunction and parenchymal injury. Currently, surgical fasciotomy remains the only first-line treatment.
Systemic application of carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-3 (CORM-3) in animal models of ACS has shown benefits when given in conjunction with fasciotomy; however, CORM-3 without fasciotomy has never been tested. The purpose of this thesis was to assess the effects of CORM-3 in ACS without surgical intervention.
Twenty-nine male adult Wistar rats were used to test the effects of CORM- 3. Microvascular perfusion, tissue injury, and inflammatory response were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours following intracompartmental pressure elevation and CORM-3 injection.
The results demonstrated partially restored microvascular perfusion, significantly reduced tissue injury, and diminished leukocyte activation (inflammation), indicating the potential of CORM-3 as a pharmacological agent in the treatment for ACS.