Experimental study on the effects of bismuth subgallate on the inflammatory process and angiogenesis of the oral mucosa

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Bismuth subgallate is a salt derived from heavy metal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this salt on some phases of healing. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of subgallate on mucosa and to evaluate the association between the use of bismuth subgallate and neogenesis of vessels in oral mucosal wounds. METHODS: This was a prospective and experimental study. This study used sixty rats, which were divided into control and experimental groups. The animals were submitted to a surgical procedure, which caused oral mucosal injury. A saline solution was applied on the wound of the control group, and in the experimental group, a solution of bismuth subgallate was administrated. RESULTS: The experimental group showed greater inflammatory reaction with increasing monomorphic proliferation. There was increased vessel proliferation in the control group. CONCLUSION: Bismuth subgallate had a negative influence on the healing process, delaying the rate of new vessel formation and optimal wound healing.