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Demonstration of the Rat Ischemic Skin Wound Model
08:35

Demonstration of the Rat Ischemic Skin Wound Model

Published on: April 1, 2015

Simultaneous blockade of alpha and beta adrenoceptors impairs cutaneous wound healing in rats

B Romana-Souza1, A Monte-Alto-Costa

  • 1Department of Histology and Embryology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
|August 19, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Blocking both beta and alpha adrenoceptors impairs skin wound healing in rats. This suggests that the negative effects of propranolol on wound repair are not mediated by alpha adrenoceptor activation.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Wound Healing Research
  • Adrenoceptor Signaling

Background:

  • Propranolol (beta-antagonist) delays cutaneous wound healing, while phentolamine (alpha-antagonist) does not.
  • Alpha adrenoceptor activation may influence propranolol's effects on wound repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the impact of combined beta and alpha adrenoceptor blockade on skin wound healing.
  • To determine if alpha adrenoceptor activation mediates propranolol's detrimental effects on wound repair.

Main Methods:

  • Rats received propranolol and phentolamine treatment.
  • Excisional lesions were created and measured.
  • Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on wound tissues.

Main Results:

  • Combined blockade reduced wound contraction and re-epithelialization.
  • Increased cellular proliferation and mast cell counts were observed.
  • Myofibroblast density, collagen organization, and neutrophil counts remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

  • Simultaneous beta and alpha adrenoceptor blockade negatively affects cutaneous wound healing.
  • Propranolol's impairment of wound healing is independent of alpha adrenoceptor activation.

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