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Published on: May 2, 2012
[Effect of botulinum toxin type A injection on hypertrophic scar in rabbit ear model]
Lin Wang1, Ning-Zheng Tai, Zhi-Hong Fan
1Plastic and Cosmetic Department, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of botulinum toxin type A (Botox A) injection on hypertrophic scar in rabbit ear model.
Methods:
The hypertrophic scar model was established in 16 Japanese rabbits' ears. These wounds were divided into two groups as group T (treated with Botox A, n = 48) and group S (not treated, n = 48). The wounds healing times and scar hypertrophy were observed with 8 specimen of normal skin at the rabbit ears as sham group B. HE stain was used to assess the hypertrophic index (HI). The expression of collagen I and III was tested by western-blot. The cell cycle of fibroblasts was studied by flow cytometry.
Results:
The HI was significantly lower in group T than in group S (P < 0.01). The expression of collagen I and III, as well as the ratio of I to III, was markedly stronger in group S than in group T (P < 0.01). Compared with group T, more fibroblasts were in G2-M in group S and fewer in G0-G1 (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Local injection of Botox A can inhibit the formation of hypertrophic scar and the activity of fibroblasts in rabbit ear model. It can significantly decrease the expression of collagen I and III in hypertrophic scar, as well as the ratio of collagen I to III. It serves as the basis for the treatment of hypertrophic scar with Botox A.
