The effect of chlorhexidine gluconate on the formation of experimental granulation tissue.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate on the connective tissue formation. Granulation tissue was produced with a method in which sponges were inserted beneath the back skin of rats. Dry sterilized sponges were impregnated either with 0.45% NaCl solution (control) or or 0.2% chlorhexidine solution [test]. The sponges were removed after 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 19 and 23 days. The content of hydroxyproline, hexosamines, DNA and RNA was estimated from the sponges. The acid glycosaminoglycans were further purified and analyzed. The results of the study indicate that chlorhexidine had a clear delaying effect on the formation of granulation tissue.