The comparison of local administration of sildenafil citrate with topical administration of dexpanthenol in experimental wound model in rats

INTRODUCTION: Wound healing is a serious problem that causes high morbidity. Different pharmacological agents have been studied to accelerate wound healing and to prevent necrosis and ischemia, and still continues to work. One of these agents is Sildenafil sitrate which has reported positive effect on wound healing in various models. Topical dexpanthenol is widely used in both wound healing and various dermatological diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of topical sildenafil sitrate and topical dexpanthenol on wound healing in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 female Wistar Albino rats, weighting 200-250 gr, were used in the study. Rats were divided into 3 groups. A linear 2 cm full thickness incision was made in the rat's skin of the back. Steril saline irrigation was applied to all animals in the control group. Dexpanthenol was aministered locally to the wounds of the rats in the second group, and 10% sildenafil sitrate in the third group. Wound dimensions were measured on 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th and 21th days. The full thickness skin, including the incision, were removed for histopathological examination on 21th days. RESULTS: The wound areas were significantly decreased macroscopically in all groups, but there were no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of wound healing ratio and histopathologic improvement. CONCLUSİONS: Topical application of sildenafil sitrate and dexpanthenol showed similar results on experimental wound models in rats. Key Words; Wound healing, sildenafil, dexpanthenol, rat.