Efeito comparativo da cicatrização em feridas cutâneas induzidas em regiões metatársica e garupa de equinos, avaliando-se os efeitos da aplicação de creme à base de Croton lechleri, associado ou não à nitroglicerina

Abstract

Wound healing consists of a dynamic process of a perfect and coordinated sequence of cellular and molecular events that interact to repair tissue. In horses, skin injuries often occur, and skin healing in this species is more exuberant when compared to other domestic species, a fact that impairs their recovery from wounds. Medicinal plants can be used in therapeutic protocols for wound treatment. Croton lechleri, popularly known as "Dragon's Blood", has antiinflammatory, antibiotic and antioxidant activities. Thus, the plant would have the potential to be used in the treatment of wounds, aiding in the healing process. Nitroglycerin is a drug with direct vasodilating action that produces smooth muscle relaxation, causing dilation in the venous and arterial systems. Thus, it has the ability to improve the vascularization of certain regions, favoring oxygenation. Based on the above information, a study involving healing mechanisms in horses, as well as the possible effects of Croton lechleri (CL) and nitroglycerin on wound healing proved to be relevant. Six healthy females of the equine species were used, which underwent the induction of 12 skin wounds (6 on the croup and 6 on the metatarsal) and each wound received a different treatment (control, with CL and nitroglycerin in different concentrations), evaluating the characteristics of the healing for 28 days. Thus, there was a greater efficiency of healing of skin wounds in the croup region in relation to skin wounds in the metatarsal region, CL helped in healing and nitroglycerin reduced angiogenesis. It is concluded that the CL has the potential to contribute to wound recovery and that healing in the distal regions of equine limbs is more complex and factors such as lower contraction rate contribute to the formation of exuberant granulation tissue.