Abstract:

Objective Investigate the effects of Artemisinin and artesunate on animal hypertrophic scar tissues. Methods Full-thickness wounds to cartilage were created in New Zealand white rabbit ears. Artemisinin or artesunate cream treatments were applied to the hypertrophic scars grew in ventral side of rabbit ears, 28 days after the wound created. 28 days after the treatment, the animals were scarify, scars were harvested incision, and examined under HE-staining ，VG-staining, by hypertrophy index (HI), numerical density of fibroblasts on area (NA) and area density of collagen fibers on area (AA) detected. Results Compared with control groups, the Artemisinin and artesunate ointment treated scars groups were softer and flatter; the fibroblasts grew downward and the collagen fibers appeared to be regulated and sparcer. HI, NA, AA in Artemisinin group were (1.452±0.27), (3638.245±463.0)cell/mm2, (32.29±6.9) %; in artesunate group were (1.445±0.24), (3585.016±638.9)cell/mm2, (34.74±8.27) % respectly. Artemisinin and artesunate groups were significantly differences with untreated control and medium control in HI，NA and AA, p <0.01. No significant different was found between Artemisinin and artesunate group, p>0.05. Conclusion Artemisinin and artesunate ointment have reliable effect on inhibiting and curing animal skin scar hyperplasia．Artemisinin and artesunate might have potency to be component of scar prevent and treatment ointment.

Key words: Artemisinin;Artesunate;Skin;scar;Model, animal