The role of L-arginine and neutrophils on incisional wound healing.

Although arginine plays an important role in many aspects of inflammation and wound healing, the mechanism is not clear. We aimed to evaluate the effect of L-arginine administration on wound healing and neutrophil activity and on the interaction of these effects. Sixteen rats were divided into two groups: control group and L-arginine group. L-arginine was given intraperitoneally. The rats underwent incisional wounding and were killed on the 7th day of wounding. Blood neutrophil counts, neutrophil adhesivity index, tensile strengths and hydroxyproline level of skin were determined, histopathological and electron microscopical evaluation of healing was performed. Wound scores in the control group were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Hydroxyproline and collagen levels of skin were significantly increased in the L-arginine group (p < 0.05). Blood neutrophil counts and neutrophil adhesivity index in the L-arginine group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), as were the inflammatory cells in the skin. L-arginine may be used during the first phase of healing to induce inflammation in high risk patients.