Purpose Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is commonly associated with numerous pathologic conditions including pressure sores and lower extremity ulcers. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the relationship between age and I/R skin injury in a rat model.

Methods and Materials Magnets were placed subcutaneously in aged and young Fisher rats. A second magnet placed externally over the implanted magnet causes compressive ischemia, while removing the second magnet results in reperfusion. Four cycles of I/R injury were performed. Tissue was analyzed histologically, the degree of leukocyte infiltration was assessed, and myeloperoxidase levels were assayed.

Results Visual analysis of the skin revealed statistically significant greater areas of injury in the aged rats relative to their younger counterparts (p<.00012). Young animals demonstrated a greater degree of polymorphonuclear cell infiltration and higher levels of myeloperoxidase at the area of injury following the final reperfusion cycle.

Conclusions Aged rats demonstrate an increased degree of injury relative to younger counterparts in response to I/R injury. Future studies will attempt to delineate differences in the aged and young responses to I/R injury, and hence give insight to the mechanisms responsible for the impaired wound healing often seen in the elderly.