Vitamin A and corticosteroid interaction in wound healing in rats

The possible antagonistic interaction of vitamin A and corticosteroids in wound healing was studied in several groups of rats. Follow-up showed that hydrocortisone did not delay wound healing, whereas a long-acting preparation of 6 alpha-methylprednisolone (DEPO-MEDROL) suppressed spontaneous healing of open wounds. Topical application of vitamin A caused a further delay in healing, whereas systemic use of vitamin A had no consistent effect. Since no beneficial effect of vitamin A could be demonstrated, and in view of its possible toxicity, we recommend that the clinical use of vitamin A in wound treatment be reconsidered.