Promotion of vascular patency in dermal burns with ibuprofen.

Differences in the vascular response to burn and freeze injuries were investigated as a model for defining the mechanism and cause of vascular occlusion in rats after dermal burns. Concentrations of thromboxane and prostacyclin in wound fluid were elevated in both types of trauma. However, inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by indomethacin failed to promote vascular patency in burn-injured animals. However, the systemic administration of ibuprofen and imidazole led to increased vascular patency. Ibuprofen promoted vascular patency even when given six hours after burn trauma. These studies indicate that ibuprofen and imidazole promote vascular patency by fostering fibrinolysis rather than by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and release.