Nanosilver and Silver Nitrate induced toxicity in a subacute murine dermal model

Silver salts and nanosilver (NS) are the common antimicrobial used in the treatment of chronic wounds, so they are important to assess their dermal toxicity. Therefore, in this study, the possible dermal toxicity of NS particles and silver nitrate (AgNO3), was tested by determining the serum level of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and study on of mouse skin tissue. In this study, 30 BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into NS, AgNO3 and control groups (n=10). After general anaesthesia and shaving the back of all animals in near the vertebral column, in NS group, a volume of 50μl 10 μg/ml of nanosilver solution (40 nm), in AgNO3 group, with the same amount of AgNO3 solution (100 μg/ml), in control group, the same amount of distilled water was added to the sterile bandage of mice. The shaved areas were covered with sterile bandage that and fixed with cloth glue. After 3 and 7 days, the bandages were opened and serum level of TGF-β1 was measured using standard kits and preparation of skin samples for histological analysis. Results showed toxicity of NS and AgNO3 by a significant reduction of TGF-β1 without any damage to skin.