Alpha-trinositol reduces edema formation at the site of scald injury

Abstract Background: The effects of α-trinositol (1 D -myo-inositol-1,2,6-triphosphate, IP 3 ) on burn-induced edema formation were investigated. Methods: Lymph flow (Q L ; μl/min) and lymph-to-plasma protein ratio (C L /C P ) were monitored in groups of five to six dogs before and 4 hours after (1) a 5-second 100° C or 90° C foot paw scald; (2) IP 3 (45 mg/kg intravenous bolus, then a 20 mg/kg/hr infusion) 30 minutes before or after 100° C scald, or 30 minutes after 90° C scald. Hind paw venous pressure was elevated and maintained by outflow restriction until reaching steady state Q L and (C L /C P ) min . Macromolecular reflection coefficient (1 – C L /C P ) was measured. Fluid filtration coefficient (K f ; ml/min/mm Hg/100 gm) was calculated. Relative paw weight gain (%) was measured. Results: Compared with preburn values, scald uniformly produced significant increases in Q L , C L /C P , and K f . IP 3 significantly ( p 3 and 31% ± 3% postburn IP 3 ). Compared with 90° C burn animals, postburn treatment significantly ( p L (550 ± 87 versus 252 ± 29 μl/min), K f (0.016 ± 00 versus 0.007 ± 00 μl/min/mm/Hg/100gm), and relative paw weight gain (28% ± 3% versus 12% ± 5%). Conclusions: α-Trinositol given after a 90° C scald blunted edema formation at the site of scald, likely through reduced transmembrane fluid flux. (Surgery 1998;123:36-45.)