ACTION OF PAPAIN, SUGAR, MINOXIDIL, AND GLUCAN ON EXCISIONAL WOUNDS IN RATS

Four topical drugs were studied with regard to their ability to promot e healing of open wounds in 60 Wistar rats. Five study groups were def ined. Four of the five groups received one of the following substances : papain, sugar, minoxidil, or glucan. The fifth group or control grou p received saline solution (NaCl, 0.9%). An experimental model with wo und standardization (6 x 3.5 cm) was used. The raw area and new epithe lium were quantified in each rat by taking photographs from which plan imetry was performed. The closure of the first lesion occurred on the 49th postoperative day. Quantitative assessment of collagen deposition was performed using image analyzing software on slides stained with p icrosirius and observed under polarized light. Epithelium formation wa s greatest in the minoxidil group, followed (in decreasing order) by t he sugar, papain, control, and glucan groups. Significant differences in collagen deposition were observed among all the groups. The greates t amount of collagen was quantified in the glucan group, followed (in decreasing order) by the sugar, minoxidil, papain, and control groups. This data and possible mechanisms for the interference of each substa nce in wound healing are considered.