Effect of pesticides on wound contraction

Coll Antropol. 2007 Mar;31(1):203-8.

Abstract

Agricultural injuries are a complex surgical problem, especially because of frequently extensive skin lesions prone to infection and delayed healing. The aim of the study was to assess the local effect of pesticides, chemical substances widely used in agriculture, on wound healing, especially on wound contraction. Local effects of the combined herbicide composed of atrazine and dual (Primextra) and insecticide alphametrin (Fastac 10% SC) on primary wound healing were assessed in a bioassay performed in 18 New Zealand white rabbits. Relative size of the wound, measured on days 0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 of wounding was analyzed by two-factor analysis of variance with repeat measurements. The activity of the process of restoration was assessed on histopathologic preparations obtained after the last measurement. Results of the study showed the final wound contraction to be smaller and the process of healing slower in the experimental groups of animals. Histopathology revealed defects of epithelialization, phasic delay in healing, infiltration with eosinophilic granulocytes, and decreased density of newly formed collagen. Pesticides were concluded to have adverse local effects on the wound, causing impairment of the mechanisms of healing.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Epithelium / drug effects
  • Epithelium / physiology
  • Female
  • Male
  • Pesticides / toxicity*
  • Rabbits
  • Wound Healing / drug effects*

Substances

  • Pesticides
  • Collagen