Histological Evaluation of Wound Healing Effect of Topical Phenytoin on Rat Hard Palate Mucosa

Extension and duration of wound healing following periodontal surgery are very important. The aim of present study was histological evaluation of wound healing of topical phenytoin on rat hard palate mucosa. A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into four groups of 15(n=15). A standard 4×6 mm diameter wound was created on the hard oral palate of each rat. The control group were given an equal volume of normal saline. The group of phenytoin and chitosan gel received the topical gel of phenytoin and chitosan, respectively. The fourth group were received a dosage of 10mg phenytoin daily. Five rats each were sacrificed and all sections were examined for histologic changes by light microscopy. The mean number of neutrophils, fibroblasts, macrophages, epithelialization, and the density of collagen fibers were evaluated in each group. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The number of fibroblasts and the rate of epithelialization in the group of phenytoin gel were significantly higher on the 7th day than the control group (P <0.05). The density of collagen fibers on the 14th day was significantly higher in the group of phenytoin gel than the control group (P <0.05). It can be concluded that topical phenytoin to promote wound healing of rat hard palate