The effects of vitamin E and selenium on blood flow to experimental skin burns in rats using the 133Xe clearance technique

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of the present experimental study was to determine and to compare the effects of vitamin E and of selenium on the blood flow to a wound region in rats, using the xenon-133 (133Xe) clearance technique. Burn wounds were made on the right thighs of rats followed by oral administration of vitamin E or selenium for a period of 10 days. The effect of vitamin E and of selenium individually on blood flow in the wound region was assessed before and after oral administration using the 133Xe clearance technique. Both vitamin E and selenium significantly increased the blood flow in the wound region (P<0.05). Our results in rats suggest that both vitamin E and selenium have beneficial effects on the skin wound healing process by increasing the skin blood flow.