EFFECT OF RESERPINE, 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE, AND POLYMYXIN B ON MAST CELLS AND TENSILE STRENGTH OF HEALING WOUNDS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of reserpine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), polymyxin B and fasting on the mast cells and tensile strength of healing wounds has been investigated. Reserpine and polymyxin B were given during the last three days before the wounds were inflicted, while 5-HT was given as daily injections after the incisions. Reserpine and – to a lesser extent – 5-HT caused a significant decrease in the tensile strength of the wounds. This decrease was probably not caused by the concomitant weight-loss since a group of fasted animals which showed the same weight-loss turned out to have a normal tensile strength. The animals treated with polymyxin B showed no significant decrease in tensile strength. Treatment with reserpine and 5-HT was not followed by any significant changes in the mast cell morphology, while polymyxin B caused marked changes, the nature of which could not be determined. It is concluded that the decrease in tensile strength of healing wounds induced by 5-HT and reserpine is probably not mediated by the tissue mast cell.