The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the regional heparinization during temporary arterial ischemia performed in rabbits. The evaluated parameters served for measuring were activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTT) as well as the presence or absence of thrombi or endothelial edema in the analyzed vessels. Forty New Zealand rabbits were utilized. They were distributed into two groups of twenty animals. After dissection and repair of the left illiac artery, an arteriotomy was carried out and then a polyethylene catheter was fitted in so that heparin solution could be injected into the experimental group and physiological serum into the control group. The aPTT was measured at the beginning of the experiment and after ninety minutes of ischemia. There were no significant differences found from the initial values to the end of the experiment. Throughout microscopic evaluation the presence of thrombi in the vessels of the animals from both groups was not found. Intimal thickening as well as disruption of the middle layer regarded as endothelial edema ocurred in only one animal from the control group, however it was not considered a significant data. It was concluded that the injection of heparin (60 UI/kg weight) did not provoke significant alterations in the systemic coagulation of the rabbit. Furthermore, in the absence of endothelial lesion thrombosis of the analyzed vessels did not occur, neither with nor without the utilization of heparin.
Heparin; Intra-arterial infusions; Ischemia; Arteria; Rabbits
