Evaluation of Epidermal and Dermal Wound Healing of Dexemedetomidine in Rat Model

Abstract

Wound healing, which is a complex and systematic process initiated by the body immediately after injury, is affected by many factors that can accelerate or delay this process. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on wound healing in rats. Our randomized controlled experimental study was conducted on a total of 16 male Wistar albino rats, divided into 8 control groups where the wound was covered only with sterile gauze and 8 experimental groups where dexmedetomidine was applied and then covered with sterile gauze and bandage. The wound areas of the rats were measured, histological evaluation and biochemical analysis were performed and, compared between groups. Our results showed that total antioxidant status (TAS) score was higher in the dexmedetomidine group and total oxidant status (TOS) score was higher in the control group. Interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, hydroxyproline and epidermal growth factor scores of the groups did not show a statistically significant difference. Left lateral wound measurement of the dexmedetomidine group on the 1st and 3rd days was statistically wider than the left lateral wound measurement of the control group. There was a statistically significant decrease in wound sizes in all groups and on days 1-3-7-9.-12-15.-17.-21. The dexmedetomidine group had more pronounced reepithelialization and more intense collagen deposition compared to the control group. Based on our results, we concluded that dexmedetomidine may have an improving role in the wound healing process but more comprehensive studies are needed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on wound healing.