The non-selective beta-blocker timolol has shown promising evidence for healing chronic, recalcitrant wounds, improving scar cosmesis, and expediting the completion of secondary intention. The purpose of our pilot study is to use clinical imaging, two-photon excitement fluorescence (TPF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy to evaluate the temporal and molecular effects of timolol vs. normal saline in Sprague-Dawley rats traumatized by 5-millimeter dermal punch biopsy. Initial findings suggest timolol delays wound contraction, but advanced imaging techniques may reveal novel collagenous or vascular mechanisms by which timolol is affecting acute wound healing.
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