Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2000 Jan;43(1):51-57.

Expression of Fibronectin Activities in Rat Tongue Mucosal Wound Healing Following CO2 Laser Incision

• Lee HS
• Tae K
• Yu YH
• Choi JS
• Jeong YG

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The CO2 laser is commonly used in the oral cavity and pharyngolaryngeal lesion, since, unlike the conventional scalpel technique, it provides excellent hemostasis and visualization and thus enables the surgeon to operate in a precise manner. Additional advantages include decreased postoperative pain and less swelling. Despite this advantage, several studies have reported impaired wound healing associated with the use of CO2 laser. Fibronectin is a high molecular weight glycoprotein and serves as a substrate for adhesion and migration of cells which repair cell defects together with fibrin. Fibronectin is involved in the generation of reticulin matrix together with the type III collagen.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The histological changes and the expression of fibronectin activities following incision of tongue mucosa by the CO2 laser and the conventional scalpel technique were compared over a period of 7 days in a rat model.
RESULTS
A delay was noted in the healing of the CO2 laser wound. Both CO2 laser and scalpel wound expressed fibronectin, soon after wounding. The expression of fibronectin activities in the CO2 laser rose to the maximal level more slowly than the scalpel wound and its degree was weaker.
CONCLUSION
Delayed expression in fibronectin may play a role in the delay of the CO2 laser wound healing.

Keyword

CO2 laser; Wound healing; Fibronectin

MeSH Terms

Animals
Collagen Type III
Fibrin
Fibronectins*
Glycoproteins
Hemostasis
Lasers, Gas*
Models, Animal
Molecular Weight
Mouth
Mucous Membrane
Pain, Postoperative
Rats*
Reticulin
Tongue*
Wound Healing*
Wounds and Injuries*
Collagen Type III
Fibrin
Fibronectins
Glycoproteins
Reticulin