The Effect of Water Soluble Chitin on Wound Healing in Rats.
- Author:
Jang Seok KANG
1
;
Yong Nam CHO
;
Sang Hun CHUNG
;
Kyeul LEW
;
Jin Soo LIM
;
Ho KWON
;
Yong Woo CHO
;
Sohk Won KO
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Water soluble chitin;
Wound healing;
Wound breaking strength;
Hydroxyproline
- MeSH:
Animals;
Bacteria;
Cell Wall;
Chitin*;
Chitosan;
Collagen;
Glucosamine;
Granulation Tissue;
Hydroxyproline;
Insects;
Polymers;
Polysaccharides;
Rats*;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley;
Skeleton;
Skin;
Tensile Strength;
Wound Healing*;
Wounds and Injuries*
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
2001;28(1):32-36
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The effect of water soluble chitin on wound healing in rats Chitin and chitosan, polysaccharides made up of polymeric N-acetyl glucosamine and D-glucosamine, are widely found in nature, forming skeletons of crustaceans and insects as well as components of bacteria cell walls. Chitin and chitosan have been known to have many useful biological properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing property. The key-point of practical use of chitin was making water soluble form. The purpose of this study was to compare the wound healing effect of water soluble with insoluble chitin. Full-thickness skin incision was made on the backs of the Sprague-Dawley rats. Three groups composed respectively with saline, water insoluble chitin and water soluble chitin were embedded in the wounds. The wound breaking strength and the collagen-hydroxyproline content of the wounded skins were measured and histological examination was performed at the time of 3, 7, 10 days respectively after the procedure. The tensile strength was maximum in case of water soluble chitin. The amount of collagen hydroxyproline was minimum in water soluble chitin. The wound treated with the water soluble and insoluble chitin was completely reepithelialized and granulation tissue in the wound was observed at 7 days after initial wounding. The arrangement of collagen fibers in the skin was orderly and similar to normal skin.
