Effects of chitosan and heparin on early extension of burns.

Chitosan, a naturally occurring high-molecular glycosaminoglycan (GAG), has been widely used in wound healing, including burns. Heparin is also a highly used glycosaminoglycan in burns. To evaluate the effects of chitosan and heparin alone and the mixture of chitosan and heparin on early extension of burn wound, deep partial-thickness burns were performed on the dorsum of rats. Then chitosan and heparin powder and the mixture of chitosan and heparin were applied, respectively, on the burn wounds. After 72 h, histological examination of the burn wounds was performed. Outcome showed that the burn degree of chitosan group was less severe than control group and chitosan greatly prevented the extension of burns in early phase. However, heparin had no protective effect on the early extension of burns. Use of chitosan and heparin together attenuated chitosan's protective effect.