|
Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences
Physiological Society of Nigeria
ISSN: 0794-859X
Vol. 31, No. 2, 2016, pp. 171-176
|
Bioline Code: np16025
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
|
|
Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences, Vol. 31, No. 2, 2016, pp. 171-176
en |
Studies on Zinc and Copper Ion in Relation to Wound Healing in Male and Female West African Dwarf Goats
Olaifa, A. K. & Fadason, S. T.
Abstract
Summary: Wound healing remains a challenging clinical problem for which precise and efficient management is essential
in order to curtail morbidity and mortality. Wound healing has been shown to depend upon the availability of appropriate
trace elements like copper and zinc which serve as enzyme cofactors and structural components in tissue repair. This study
aims at evaluating the distribution of zinc and copper found in the hair as well as skin during epidermal wound healing. Adult
and healthy West African dwarf (WAD) goats of both sexes fed with concentrate, grass, cassava peel and water ad libitum
were used. The animals were housed for three weeks before commencement of the experiments. Epidermal wounds were
created on the trunks of all the goats using cardboard template of 1cm². Progressive changes in wound contraction were
monitored grossly by placing clean and sterile venier calliper on the wound margin. Hair and skin elemental (copper and
zinc) analyses were done using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Significant increases in Cu level were observed in
the female hair compared with that of males. There were significant increases in the Zn levels of the females’ hair compared
with the males. The wound healed faster in female goat compared with the males. The ratio of copper to zinc is clinically
more important than the concentration of either of these trace metals. The pattern of distribution between zinc and copper
concentration in the skin and hair of the male and female goats observed in this study could be added factor responsible for
early wound healing in female. Therefore, our findings suggest that the distribution in the Cu and Zinc level in skin and hair
of both male and female goats could also be a factor for wound healing in the animals.
Keywords
Wound healing; Copper; Zinc; Hair; Skin
|
|
© Copyright 2016 - Physiological Society of Nigeria
|
|