Effect of papaverine on the skin wounds contraction in rats

Objectives: To evaluate the changes in repair process when papaverine is applied during the inflammatory phase of skin wounds, mainly during the wound contraction stage. Methods: Skin wounds were performed at the dorsum of 50 rats divided into two groups: a test group (n=25), treated with local injection of 50mg/ml papaverine hydrochloride, and a control group, treated with saline (n=25). The wounds were photographed for dimensional analysis and processed for histological analysis at 6 hours, and 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after induction of the skin wound. Reepithelialization, granulation tissue, and number of myofibroblasts were quantified by immunohistochemistry. Results: The test group exhibited significantly smaller wound size compared to the control group and less granulation tissue, a higher degree of reepithelialization and fewer myofibroblasts. Fragments in the test group were heavier than in the control group, with increased plasma exudation observed histologically. Conclusion: A single subcutaneous application of papaverine hydrochloride through early surgical intervention was beneficial to the repair process, resulting in early closure of the lesion and smaller scars.