Effects of Indomethacin on the Transcapillary Leakage of Macromolecules and the Efflux of Prostaglandins in the Paw Lymph Following Experimental Scalding Injury

Abstract

Transport of macromolecules (dextrans and proteins) from blood to lymph and efflux of prostaglandins into lymph were studied in dogs following scalding injury of the paw and treatment with indomethacin. Indomethacin inhibited the efflux of prostaglandins following scalding injury, indicating an inhibition of the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. A pronounced suppression of the increased lymph flow and transcapillary transport of macromolecules following scalding was found after treatment with indomethacin. The increased microvascular permeability in scalded tissue was not significantly altered by indomethacin. These results indicate that the major effect of indomethacin on the microcirculation in the scalded tissue is a reduction of the capillary surface area available for exchange due to a reduced number of capillaries perfused with blood. The results also support the hypothesis that some of the vascular reactions following thermal injury may be mediated by prostaglandins.