The Effects of Water Soluble Chitin on the Open Wound Healing in Rabbits

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of chitin on open wound healing in rabbits. Using 15 rabbits, a round, full thickness defect of skin with 2 cm in diameter was made on the ventral surface of the each ear. The experimental animals were divided into 3 groups control group untreated group), base ointment group (group treated with base ointment), and chitin ointment group(group treated with water soluble chitin ointment). A total of 30 wounds were made and each subgroup was allocated 10. On the 7th day after initial wounding, each wound site including surrounding tissue was taken for macroscopic and histological observations. The amount of epithelialization and granulation tissue were measured by Image Analysis System. In macroscopic examination, larger amount of exudate and granulation tissue were observed in water soluble chitin ointment group compared to control and base ointment groups. In histological examination, water soluble chitin ointment group showed thick epithelium and larger amount of granulation tissue and fibroblast deposition. The areas of epithelialization and granulation tissue were significantly increased in water soluble chitin ointment group compared to control and base ointment groups. In conclusion, water soluble chitin accelerated open wound healing by accelerating reepithelization and granulation tissue formation.