Objective: 

In this experimental study we investigated the effects of subcutaneous (sc) and local administration of MLT on the tissue malondialdehide (MDA), glutathione (GSH), zinc and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS),total sulfhydryl group (RSH) and zinc levels on the rabbit oral cavity wound.

Methods: 

A total of twenty-four Five-month old New-Zealand rabbits were used in the study. A standard incision was applied to the oral mucosa of rabbits. Rabbits were divided into four groups as: (Sham): Untreated incisional group; (Sham+PEG) local Polyethylene glycol (PEG) bead, Sham+PEG+MLT (PEG) + MLT (9 mg) bead and Sham+sc MLT administrated group (10 mg/kg 3 day). The substance MLT was given in two different ways as local formulation or subcutaneous (sc) application. On the third day of oral incision, wound tissue strips and plasma were obtained.

Results: 

MDA levels of the wounded-tissues were significantly lower in the melatonin groups when compared to sham, sham +PEG groups (p<0.05). MLT administration significantly decreased the plasma TBARS level compared to Sham, Sham+PEG groups (p<0.05). Total plasma RSH levels were significantly increased after sc MLT administration (p<0.05), while MLT administration did not have any significant effect on the zinc and GSH levels of the wounded tissues. MLT caused a significant reepithelisation in the wound region which was characterized by a significant increase in fibroblasts and collagen fibers.

Conclusions: 

Our results suggest that s.c./local administraiton of MLT might improve the wound healing by reducing the levels of lipid peroxidation products.