title: Histological Evaluation of Wound Healing Process after Photodynamic Therapy of Rat Oral Mucosal Ulcer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  When the body defense is compromised, wounds can act as a route for entrance and colonization of microorganisms in the body. Photodynamic therapy with methylene blue is known as a promising antimicrobial modality.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed to investigate the effects of this procedure on wound healing processes.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were recruited. Experimental wounds were surgically made on their buccal mucosa. Based on the treatment modality, they were divided into 3 groups (n=16) of control (CG), laser (LG), photosensitizer+ laser (PLG) by methylene blue (MB). The treatment procedure in the two latter groups was done in days 1-4 and 6-9. After sacrificing on 2, 4, 7 and 14-day follow-ups, the microscopic grade of healing of the wounds was assigned on each interval according to histological grading criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A qualitative result was obtained that showed a healing progression in PLG at day 2 of follow-up. At day 4 of follow-up, no difference was seen in healing stage among the groups. However on day 7 of follow-up, samples of the LG showed a lower degree of healing compared with the other two groups. Likewise, on day 14 of follow- up, both PLG and LG showed lower degree of healing than CG.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study qualitatively showed that MB- mediated photodynamic therapy would have an inhibitory effect on healing process after 14 days of the wound creation.
authors.affiliation: Torabinejad Dental Research Center, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Parviz
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Deyhimi
authors.affiliation: Torabinejad Dental Research Center, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial diseases, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Heidar
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Khademi
authors.affiliation: Torabinejad Dental Research Center, Dept. of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Reza
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Birang
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, School of Dentistry, Boushehr University of Medical Sciences, Boushehr, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Akhoondzadeh
keywords: Laser; Methylene Blue; Photodynamic Therapy; Wound Healing