Abstract | BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scarring is a pathologic hallmark of a previous dermal injury in humans, but many aspects related to its biology and therapy remain unclear, at least in part because of the lack of an ideal animal model. This study was designed to investigate whether hypertrophic scars could be reproduced by transplanting full-thickness human skin grafts onto the backs of nude mice. METHODS: There were a total of five animal groups, with 15 nude mice each in groups 1 through 4 and five nude mice in the control group. The mice in groups 1 through 4 underwent transplantation of full-thickness human skin grafts onto their backs, and the status of local scar development was observed after the epidermis and upper portions of the dermis were shed. Histologic examination of the scar tissues was performed 1, 3, and 6 months after transplantation for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Histologic examinations were not performed for group 4, but the duration of scar hypertrophy was assessed. Mice in the control group underwent transplantation of full-thickness rat skin grafts onto their backs, and the status of local scar development was observed after the epidermis and upper portions of the dermis were shed. RESULTS: Fifty-four of 60 nude mice (90.0 percent) undergoing transplantation of full-thickness human skin grafts developed obvious and persistent hypertrophic scars, which were red, hard, and elevated out of the surrounding skin even 6 months after transplantation. Histologic examinations revealed abundant collagen deposition and inflammatory infiltration in these scars. Nevertheless, no hypertrophic scars were observed in mice transplanted with full-thickness rat skin grafts. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Dong Y Yang, Shi R Li, Ju L Wu, Yan Q Chen, Gang Li, Sheng Bi, Xia Dai |
Journal | Plastic and reconstructive surgery
(Plast Reconstr Surg)
Vol. 119
Issue 1
Pg. 104-109
(Jan 2007)
ISSN: 1529-4242 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 17255662
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Animals
- Cicatrix, Hypertrophic
(pathology)
- Disease Models, Animal
- Feasibility Studies
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Skin Transplantation
(methods)
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