Ann Dermatol.  2018 Feb;30(1):41-46. 10.5021/ad.2018.30.1.41.

Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase-Mediated Deoxyuridine Triphosphate Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) Assay to Characterize Histopathologic Changes Following Thermal Injury

• Lee JM
• Park JH
• Kim BY
• Kim IH

• KMID: 2399753
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2018.30.1.41

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Despite the wide application of lasers and radiofrequency (RF) surgery in dermatology, it is difficult to find studies showing the extent of damage dependent on cell death.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated histopathologic changes following in vivo thermal damage generated by CO2 laser, 1,444 nm long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (LP Nd:YAG) laser and RF emitting electrosurgical unit.
METHODS
Thermal damage was induced by the above instruments on ventral skin of rat. Specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, along with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, to highlight the degree of irreversible cellular injury.
RESULTS
The volume of vaporization was largest with the CO2 laser. Area of cell death area identified by TUNEL assay, when arranged from widest to narrowest, was 1,444 nm LP Nd:YAG laser, CO2 laser, and RF emitting electrosurgical unit.
CONCLUSION
This histopathologic evaluation of the acute characterization of injury across devices may be advantageous for attaining better treatment outcomes.

Keyword

Carbon dioxide lasers; In situ nick-end labeling; Neodymiumdoped yttrium aluminum garnet lasers; Radiofrequency; Thermal destruction

MeSH Terms

Animals
Cell Death
Deoxyuridine*
Dermatology
Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
Hematoxylin
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Incineration
Lasers, Gas
Rats
Skin
Volatilization
Deoxyuridine
Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
Hematoxylin

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Corresponding hematoxylin and eosin (H&E; A, C, E, ×20) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-stained (B, D, F, ×20) histological skin sections following treatment with the CO2 laser (A, B), 1,444 nm long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (C, D), and radiofrequency emitting electrosurgical unit (E, F). Note the bright yellow/green cells in the TUNEL-stained sections highlighting the necrotic cells within the treated section.

• 

  Fig. 2 Thermal effects of ablative laser and radiofrequency irradiation. (A) CO2 laser and radiofrequency emitting electrosurgical unit. (B) 1,444 nm long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (LP Nd:YAG). 1,444 nm LP Nd:YAG laser resulted in smaller vaporized tissue volume and more extensive necrosis and coagulation compared with CO2 laser and radiofrequency device.

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