THE INFLUENCE OF METABOLIC STIMULANTS ON WOUND HEALING; THE INFLUENCE OF THYROID and 2‐4‐α DINITROPHENOL

Abstract

1. Dried thyroid gland, when fed to young adult male albino rats throughout the period of healing of circular skin wounds, caused a significant reduction in the mean time required for healing (11 per cent. reduction). When the rats were, in addition, given a pre‐period of thyroid feeding before operation, the mean time required for healing was reduced by 12 and 22 per cent. in the two experiments performed.2. 2‐4‐α dinitrophenol fed as a component of the diet (0·012 per cent.) also caused a significant reduction in the mean time required for healing (15 to 27 per cent. reduction). Larger doses (0·09 per cent.) lacked this stimulant effect and the weight loss was marked.3. The significance of these findings is discussed. It is not considered wise to attempt to influence the rate of normally healing wounds of patients by such stimulants.In conclusion, we wish to thank Dr. E. Lewis‐Faning and Dr. P. L. McKinlay for their assistance in the statistical treatment of this investigation. We are also greatly indebted to the Medical Research Council, and to the Rankin Medical Research Fund of the University of Glasgow, for grants in aid of this work.