RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous phosphatidylcholine to cause local lipolysis has been performed effectively and safely in the nonsurgical treatment of periorbital fat pads and also in the treatment of localized fat deposits in the abdomen, neck, arms and thighs. However, the studies do not explain the mechanism through which injectable phosphatidylcholine causes localized fat reduction. This study aimed to compare the local action of a phosphatidylcholine formulation with that of a physiologic saline solution in a histologic study investigating the fat tissue of rabbits. METHODS: Using a randomized, blind approach, 10 rabbits were injected with an experimental assay of phosphatidylcholine (the biologic model), and another 10 rabbits were injected with physiologic saline. A histologic study was conducted, and the Mann-Whitney test was applied. RESULTS: A marked difference was observed between the two groups with respect to necrosis, inflammatory exudation, and fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Necrosis of the fat cells in all the phosphatidylcholine-injected animals was observed. Further studies should be performed to clarify and determine the mechanisms of action.