The influence of chitosan ascorbate on the process of wound healing in rats

The aim of the experiment was to examine the healing process of experimental wounds in 15 rats. The wounds of 9 rats were treated with 4% chitosan ascorbate (1st group), whereas the wounds of 6 rats were not treated at all (2nd group). In every rat two square skin flaps (10 mm x 10 mm) were cut out on the back in the scapular region. The proces of wound healing was surveyed for 21 days, the rate of crust formation was observed and the width and depth of crust was measured. On the 7th, 14th and 21st day of the experiment wound specimens were cut out for histopathologic examination, This examination assessed the surface of a wound (exudate, epidermis - coverage of defect surface, epidermal thickness expressed in the number of cell layers, characteristics of ripening - creation of granular and horny layer, occurrence of appendage buds) and the tissue filling a-defect (the number of capillary vessels, collagen and argentaffin fibres their number and thickness). The results of microscopic and histopathologic examination confirmed the usefulness of chitosan ascorbate in healing experimental wounds in rats. In rats treated with chitosan ascorbate the wound healing process was rer, the wound shrank more quickly, the process of epidermis reconstruction was better, the scar was smaller, skin appendages - hair follicles and glands - were regenerated.