Temporal Effects of Ischemic Re-perfusion on Skeletal Muscle in Rats

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the state of skeletal muscle after ischemic re-perfusion for different lengths of time. [Subjects] Forty-one eight-week-old female Wistar rats were divided into seven experimental groups. [Methods] Ischemia to the right lower limb was done at a pressure of 300 mmHg for 90 minutes. The re-perfusion was evaluated after one hour and after one to five days. The soleus muscle relative weight ratios and the soleus muscle fiber cross-section minor axis were used to evaluate the muscle atrophy. [Results] The soleus muscle relative weight ratios significantly decreased in the "96-hour group". The soleus muscle fiber cross-section minor axis significantly decreased in the "72-hour group". [Conclusion] Ischemic re-perfusion results in edema and muscle atrophy in the rat soleus muscle.