Mifepristone (RU-486) impairs post-surgical wound healing of the larynx.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to examine how RU486 (mifepristone), a glucocorticoid antagonist, affects the regeneration process in a rabbit laryngeal wound-healing model.


METHODS
Eight rabbits underwent a cricoid-split operation with collagen sponge insertion. The animals were classified randomly into two groups (4 animals in each group): the RU486-treated group, with local administration of 3 mg RU486, and the control group, which was sham treated. The specimens were harvested seven days after surgery. Histomorphometric analysis was performed to evaluate the healing pattern of the larynx wound.


RESULTS
Respiratory epithelium regeneration was delayed in the RU486-treated group. The proliferation of granulation tissue was also increased. Polyps were detected in 3 specimens from this group. No obvious differences with regard to inflammatory cell infiltration were found.


CONCLUSIONS
RU486 impairs post-surgical wound healing of the larynx by increasing the presence of granulation tissue and polyps, and appears to delay re-epithelialization.
Tcacencu
Ion
I
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden. tcacencu@yahoo.co.uk
D000818:Animals; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000378:metabolism; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007830:Larynx / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D015735:Mifepristone