Role of nitric oxide in wound healing: Facilitatory effects of nitrosoglutathione-A nitric oxide donor on the extracellular matrix deposition characteristics of wound healing

Abstract

Wound healing is a dynamic process in which many reactive molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione (GSH) participate in mediating important cellular functions and signaling. The effects of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), S-nitrosoadenosyl-N-penicillamine (SNAP), glutathione (GSH) and iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (AG) were examined in a rat wound model. Rate of wound healing, biomechanical properties, collagen content and MMP activity, which are the quantitative indicators of wound healing, were analyzed. Administration of GSNO showed a) improved rate of wound contraction, b) biomechanical properties and c) collagen content of the scars. SNAP decreased wound gelatinase activity and glutathione content, GSH decreased collagen and AG decreased wound strength and collagen content. Our studies demonstrate that administration of GSNO is beneficial in wound healing compared to SNAP and GSH.