Metabolism and respiration in skin burn injury in rats: Corrective effects of melatonin.

Abstract

Burn disease, which is a sequel of skin burn injuries, is a common cause of complications and the development of associated pathologies. This study aimed to assess the effects of burn disease on the lungs and their correction with melatonin. We used a standard skin 14-day burn model in Wistar rats. During burn progression, phase changes in metabolism were noted from a hypometabolic phase in the first 4 days to a hypermetabolic phase starting on Day 5. By Day 14, the energy metabolism had normalized to the control level. In experimental melatonin burn treatment, a hypermetabolic response was noted during the first 3 days. By Day 10, the ventilatory response decreased below the baseline level, and by Day 14, it did not significantly differ from that in the control group. Morphological changes in the lungs of rats with burn injuries were characterized by structural alterations, such as reduced functional activity, decreased air permeability, and suppression of gas exchange processes. In rats receiving melatonin alongside burn injury, most morphological lung indicators remained at control levels. We conclude that melatonin treatment accelerates healing and reduces complications associated with burn injuries.