EFFECT OF FIBRIN GLUE AND OPSITE ON OPEN WOUNDS IN DB/DB MICE

Fibrin glue is a hemostatic and adhesive agent that has been used for many years in Europe. It is made by the simultaneous mixing of concentrated fibrinogen complex and bovine thrombin reconstituted in a solution of calcium chloride. Upon mixing, the final stages of the coagulation cascade are mimicked, resulting in formation of a fibrin clot. Fibrin is vital in wound healing because the network formed in the wound acts not only as a hemostatic barrier but also as a scaffold for migrating cells. In this study, fibrin glue (60 mg/ml) was applied on 6-mm-diameter circular full-thickness wounds in homozygous, genetically diabetic mice. Results showed delayed wound closure as compared to paired control wounds. Dilution of the protein concentration of fibrin glue to 1 mg/ml resulted in higher histological scores compared to those for wounds treated with 60 mg/ml fibrin glue. Finally, the application of an adherent semipermeable dressing (Opsite) over the wound per se resulted in delayed wound closure. Delayed closure may be due either to mechanical obstruction to the migration or proliferation of cells that actively participate in the wound healing process, mechanical inhibition of wound contraction, or both. © 1993 Academic Press, Inc.