Topical Misoprostol and Wound Healing in Rats

Author(s): James Mahoney, DPM; Mario Ponticello, DPM; Erin Nelson, DPM; Roger Ratz, DPM

Source: Wounds, 12/12/2007

Abstract

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog (PGE1) and has both antisecretory and mucosal cytoprotective properties. Its use is currently approved for the prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers at 200 mg 4 times daily. In addition, duodenal ulcer treatment may include misoprostol use at 100 mg 4 times daily. Other unapproved uses for misoprostol can be found in the literature. Olivery and Mueller found that misoprostol is a treatment option for canine atopic dermatitis. It has been found to have cytoprotectant effects against mucosal radiation and to reduce bacterial translocation and modulate bacterial clearance in mice following a burn injury.There are numerous references to its use as a wound healing agent for diabetic foot lesions or decubitus ulcers when used in various combinations with lidocaine, phenytoin, metronidazole, pentoxyphylline, and gentamicin. When administered intragastrically following colonic anastomoses in rats, misoprostol was found to increase tissue collagen levels by day 14 without influencing inflammation. For years the School of Dentistry at the University of Iowa has used misoprostol to heal mucosal ulcers (personal communication with Rex McKee, PharmD, October 2005). Other clinical trials in progress are investigating the use of prostaglandins in wound healing. It is used as an abortifacient in the second trimester of pregnancy when administered intravaginally or extra-amniotically via a transcervical catheter. The effects on skin suggest that a once daily application of misoprostol may increase the speed in which a surface wound heals. This hypothesis formed the basis for the present study.

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