﻿Topical misoprostol and wound healing in rats.
﻿Background. It is well known that prostaglandins play an integral part in wound healing, yet there is scant evidence to support the use of exogenous topical prostaglandins as potential wound healing agents. This study on rats begins that exploration by studying the effects of topical misoprostol on acute wound healing.


METHODS
Twenty-six rats had 2-cm x 2-cm full-thickness wounds created on their dorsal surface: one-half had topical misoprostol powder mixed with saline applied daily for 3 weeks, while the other half had only normal saline applied. Photos to measure wound size were taken every 3 days to document any changes.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis revealed that topical misoprostol can lead to decreased healing times.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical misoprostol powder can decrease the healing time of acute wounds in rats. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding, as well as to explore its use in chronic wounds.
Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Des Moines, Iowa; Email:james.mahoney@dmu.edu.
James
J
Mahoney
Mario
M
Ponticello
Erin
E
Nelson
Roger
R
Ratz