Expression of Fibronectin Activities in Rat Tongue Mucosal Wound Healing Following CO2 Laser Incision / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The CO2 laser is commonly used in the oral cavity and pharyngolaryngeal lesion, since, unlike the conventional scalpel technique, it provides excellent hemostasis and visualization and thus enables the surgeon to operate in a precise manner. Additional advantages include decreased postoperative pain and less swelling. Despite this advantage, several studies have reported impaired wound healing associated with the use of CO2 laser. Fibronectin is a high molecular weight glycoprotein and serves as a substrate for adhesion and migration of cells which repair cell defects together with fibrin. Fibronectin is involved in the generation of reticulin matrix together with the type III collagen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The histological changes and the expression of fibronectin activities following incision of tongue mucosa by the CO2 laser and the conventional scalpel technique were compared over a period of 7 days in a rat model. RESULTS: A delay was noted in the healing of the CO2 laser wound. Both CO2 laser and scalpel wound expressed fibronectin, soon after wounding. The expression of fibronectin activities in the CO2 laser rose to the maximal level more slowly than the scalpel wound and its degree was weaker. CONCLUSION: Delayed expression in fibronectin may play a role in the delay of the CO2 laser wound healing.