Quantitative changes of mast cells following topical application of honey on third degree burns in rats

Abstract

The purpose of present study was determination of number changes of mast cells in a honey treated experimental model of third degree burn. A third degree burn was made in 24 adult female rats by direct contact of skin with boiling water for 8 seconds. Rats were divided randomly into four groups. Group 1: Burns of this group remained untreated (control group). Groups 2 and 3: Burns of these groups were received topical application of unboiled commercial honey one-time per day and twice daily. Group 4: Burns of this group were received topical application of nitrofurazone cream daily (routine treatment). Samples were extracted from 3 rats at day 15 and of another 3 rats at day 30. Samples were processed for light microscopy study and stained with toluidine blue. Mast cells were counted by a calibrated light microscope. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. Group 4 had highest number of mast cells at day 15 (30.43±41.1) and at day 30 (31.52±41.1). Control group had lowest number of mast cells at day 15 (11.9±15.43). Group 2 had lowest number of mast cells at day 30 (17.19±22.85). It is concluded that topical application of honey on third degree burns didn’t have significant effect on the number of mast cells in comparison with control and routine treatment groups.