Abstract
To assess the wound healing capabilities of damaged lung tissue in the postpartum period, we investigated the parameters related to wound healing in a rat model of lung damage. Rats were divided into six groups: IA, IB, II, IIIA, IIIB and IV (n=7 in each group). Group IA included rats not in the postpartum period that were sacrificed on the third day after lung injury, group IB included rats not in the postpartum period that were sacrificed on the tenth day after lung injury, group II included rats not in the postpartum period that did not receive lung injury, group IIIA included rats in the postpartum period that were sacrificed on the third day after lung injury, group IIIB included rats in the postpartum period that were sacrificed on the tenth day after lung injury and group IV included rats in the postpartum period without lung injury. Wound healing was evaluated histopathologically and measurements of hydroxyproline levels, serum alanine and glutamine were taken. A significant difference in serum alanine levels was evident between groups IA and IIIA. Significant differences were also observed between serum alanine and glutamine levels in groups IB and IIIB. In conclusion, we demonstrated that serum alanine levels were reduced in the postpartum period following lung injury, which may be expected to negatively impact wound healing in this period. The administration of exogenous alanine for traumatic events occurring during the postpartum period may thus contribute positively to wound healing capabilities during this period.