RESUMO
PURPOSE: To compare the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) and of AG on the healing of intestine wounds. METHODS: The semi-purified extract of the eggs of the mollusc was obtained by fractionation with ammonium sulfate and purification for ion-exchange chromatography. The obtained galactans were eluted in water (neutral galactan) and in 0.1 and 0.2M NaCl (acidic galactans). The in vivo study was performed with 45 "Wistar" rats, separated in three groups (n=15). Solutions containing HA 1 percent, GA 1 percent or saline solution 0,9 percent, was placed topically on the sutures of wounds in the small intestine of the rats. After 05, 10 and 21 days the animals were sacrificed and biopsy of the healing tissue was done. RESULTS: The hystologic grading was more significant for HA and AG groups when compared to the group C. AG stimulated the appearance of macrophages, giant cells and increase in the concentration of collagen in the area of the wound when compared to HA. CONCLUSION: The topical use of GA in intestinal wounds promoted the anticipation of events that are important in the wound healing.