Topical treatment of experimental skin lesions in rats: macroscopic, microscopic and scanning electron-microscopic evaluation of the healing process
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Abstract:
The effects of the topical antiseptic agents mercurochrome and silver nitrate and of sodium hyaluronate on the process of wound healing were assessed by macroscopic examination, light microscopy histology, electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of wounds made by cutting or by abrasion of the skin of rats. It was found that wounds treated with hyaluronic acid underwent longer periods of inflammation (proportional to the presence of mastocytes) and greater amounts of collagen deposition than wounds that were either untreated controls or treated with silver nitrate or mercurochrome, but this did not impede the formation in the early stages of healing of bridges of fibrin between the edges of the wounds.
Insights
Hyaluronic acid promotes wound healing by increasing collagen deposition, despite a longer inflammatory phase. Mercurochrome and silver nitrate showed less favorable wound healing outcomes compared to hyaluronic acid.
Area of Science:
- Wound healing research
- Dermatology
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Topical agents are crucial for wound management.
- Understanding the impact of antiseptics and biomolecules on healing is vital.
- Sodium hyaluronate is a key component of the extracellular matrix.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of mercurochrome, silver nitrate, and sodium hyaluronate on wound healing in rats.
- To compare the efficacy of these agents using various microscopic and macroscopic techniques.
- To determine the influence of these agents on inflammation and collagen deposition.
Main Methods:
- Macroscopic examination of wounds.
- Light microscopy and histology.
- Electron microscopy (including scanning electron microscopy).
- Wound models created by cutting and abrasion on rat skin.
Main Results:
- Sodium hyaluronate treatment resulted in prolonged inflammation, indicated by mastocyte presence.
- Greater collagen deposition was observed in wounds treated with sodium hyaluronate.
- Wounds treated with silver nitrate or mercurochrome showed less optimal healing compared to hyaluronic acid.
- Fibrin bridge formation in early healing stages was not hindered by hyaluronic acid.
Conclusions:
- Sodium hyaluronate enhances wound healing, characterized by increased collagen deposition.
- While hyaluronic acid prolongs inflammation, it ultimately supports a more robust healing process.
- Mercurochrome and silver nitrate are less effective in promoting wound healing compared to sodium hyaluronate.