J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  2006 Sep;33(5):606-611.

Development of a Chronic Skin Wound Defect: A Swine Model

• Sohn HB
• Son DG
• Kim JH
• Han KH
• Ryoo NH
• Kwon SY

Abstract

PURPOSE
Animal models of a chronic wound are yet to be fully developed, and animal studies on this subject has yet to take place. The purpose of this study is to create the foundation for research on chronic wound healing based on a swine model, the most similar to that of a human.
METHODS
Three female 2-3 month old 'yolkshires' were used. Total of eight full thickness skin defects, 6 x 3 cm sized, were created on the back of each pigs. Three groups were created for comparison; Group I (n=4) was left as they were after full skin thickness excision, while the excised tissues of Group II (n=3) were turned inside out and sutured so that the epidermis would come in contact with the fascia. Group III (n=3) were excised full skin thickness in depth and silicone blocks were implanted in them. Dressing was not practised so that the wounds would be vulnerable to infection.
RESULTS
In Group III, the skin contraction rate was the least among the three groups for each three weeks of observation respectively. Also during the three weeks, bacteral colonization was at the highest among the comparison. On the third week, inflammatory cells were still active, but the generations of epidermis and collagen synthesis were detected minimally.
CONCLUSION
The Group III was relatively the most similar model of chronic wounds. and modification of the silicone blocks, could provide us with a very effective chronic skin wound model similar to human.

Keyword

Wound healing; Skin; Chronic wound

MeSH Terms

Animals
Bandages
Collagen
Colon
Epidermis
Family Characteristics
Fascia
Female
Humans
Models, Animal
Silicones
Skin*
Swine*
Wound Healing
Wounds and Injuries*
Collagen
Silicones