Autologous Platelets-Rich Plasma Gel Promotes Neo-Vascularization and Re-Epithelization in Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rescued Horses

Autologous platelet -rich plasma (PRP) gel has been suggested for wound repair. However, there is insufficient evidence to support its usage in animals with cutaneous wounds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of PRP gel on cutaneous wound healing in rescued horses. Twelve horses were divided into two groups: group A (PRP-treated) and group B (control). The group A (n=6) animals were treated with autologous PRP gel, while the group B (n=6) animals were treated with sterile saline. Full-thickness (3 x 3 cm2) skin wounds were selected in each horse on either left or right region of back. Neovascularization was assessed on days 14 and 28 by color Doppler ultrasonography and cytokeratin staining. Wound re-epithelialization and the number of fibroblasts were assessed by cytokeratin staining. All data were statistically analyzed. We observed that PRP-wounds had highly significantly (P<0.01) increased levels of neovascularization on days 14 and 28 than control wounds. PRP-wounds had highly significant (P<0.01) increases in re-epithelialization levels and fibroblast numbers at days 14 and 28 than control wounds. In conclusion, PRP-treated wounds accelerated cutaneous wound healing by fostering re-epithelialization and neovascularization in rescued horses than control wounds. Therefore, this study suggests the use of autologous platelet -rich plasma gel to treat cutaneous wounds in rescued horses, which is a safe and effective method. The color Doppler ultrasonography can be used to assess neovascularization during wound healing.