The Role of Histamine and Serotonin in the Inflammatory Reaction in an Experimental Model of Open Wounds in the Rat

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Abstract
The role of histamine and serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT] in the inflammatory reaction in the granulation tissue of open wounds in the rat was studied. The model involved plastic chambers attached to the edges of 2 open circular full-thickness skin wounds. Five days post-wounding, agonists or antagonists were applied in 1 of the 2 chambers, the adjacent wound serving as control. Thereafter blood flow and albumin extravasation were measured. Application of histamine (100 .mu.M) caused an increase in granulation tissue blood flow by 36%, but left albumin extravasation unaffected. Treatment with mepyramine (H1 antagonist, 20 .mu.M), cimetidine (H2 antagonist, 20 .mu.M) or methysergide (5-HT antagonist, 20 .mu.M) did not influence the level of either blood flow or albumin extravasation. Endogeneous histamine and 5-HT play a minor role in the inflammatory process in the granulation tissue of this model of healing wounds.