Action of papain, sugar, minoxidil, and glucan on excisional wounds in rats

Abstract

Four topical drugs were studied with regard to their ability to promote healing of open wounds in 60 Wistar rats. Five study groups were defined. Four of the five groups received one of the following substances: papain, sugar, minoxidil, or glucan. The fifth group or control group received saline solution (NaCl, 0.9%). An experimental model with wound standardization (6 × 3.5 cm) was used. The raw area and new epithelium were quantified in each rat by taking photographs from which planimetry 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 picrosirius and observed under polarized light. Epithelium formation was greatest in the minoxidil group, followed (in decreasing order) by the sugar, papain, control, and glucan groups. Significant differences in collagen deposition were observed among all the groups. The greatest 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 substance in wound healing are considered.