Histological Study of Topical Application of Sodium Phenytoin 1% Ointment on Open Skin Healing in Male Rats

Purpose: The aim of this study was to see the effect of topical application of sodium phenytoin 1 % ointment and vaselin on open skin wound healing of male rat during inflammation, proliferation and remodeling phases. Materials and Methods: Experiments were carried out on 60 male wistar rats weighing 22S±25 gr. Rats were anaesthetized with ketamine, a 2cm circular wound in diameter was performed on the back of neck. Rats were divided into three groups: Experimental group - receiving sodium phenytoin 1 % on the wound every other day; Vaselin group - the wounds were dressed by vaselin; control group - no dressing was performed on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 28th day.Smples were prepared for routine histological study and were stained by hematoxylin - eosin, vangison and toluidine blue 1%. Fibroblasts, mast cells, and blood vessels were counted; depth of granulated tissue was measured and inflammatory cells and the chroma of staine collagen fibers were classified. Data were analysed by one and two way Anova tests. Results: Number of fibroblasts have been significantly increased in experimental group compare to control on day 3, 7, 14 (P<0.05). Number of mast cells have been significicantly decreased in experimental group compare to control on day 7 (P<0.05). Blood vessels were increased in phenytoin group compare to control and vaselin groups on day 3, 7, 14. The depth of granulation tissue was just increased on day 7 of experiment in phenytoin group. The number of inflammatory cells was decreased on the 7th, 14th day in phenytoin group. The collagen synthesis was started earlier in phenytoin treated group compared to the other groups. Conclusion: It seems that the application of 1 % sodium phenytoin not only reduces the inflammation and number of the mast cells, but also induces angiogenesis, fibroblast, collagen synthesis, and granulation of the injured tissue increment.