The effect of cold argon plasma in atmospheric pressure on increasing blood coagulation speed and full-thickness cutaneous wound healing in rats

In recent years, cold plasma in atmospheric pressure is used as a promising new therapeutic strategy in medicine for cessation of bleeding and skin wound healing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the histopathological effect of cold argon plasma in atmospheric pressure on full-thickness cutaneous wound healing and increasing the speed of blood coagulation in rats. Forty-eight mature male rats were divided into two control and treatment groups. Under anesthesia, a 15 mm diameter skin wound was created on the back of the rats and blood coagulation time was measured. In treatment group immediately after the injury, the skin of rats was radiated by plasma once for 30 seconds and simultaneously blood coagulation time was measured. Then, control and treatment group rats were euthanized by ether at 0, 7 and 21 days after the injury respectively. The wound and surrounding healthy skin were removed and after hematoxylin-eosine staining, histopathological examination with light microscope was performed. Plasma radiation increased the speed of blood coagulation in skin wounds under in vivo conditions. Based on histopathological results, the process of full thickness cutaneous wound healing was significantly (p<0.05) better in plasma treated rats. Therefore, cold argon plasma can be used to increase the speed of blood coagulation and improve cutaneous wound healing.