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Allogeneic fibroblasts in dermal substitutes induce inflammation and scar formation
Author(s) -
Lamme Evert N.,
Van Leeuwen Rene T. J.,
Mekkes Jan R.,
Middelkoop Esther
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
wound repair and regeneration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.847
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1524-475X
pISSN - 1067-1927
DOI - 10.1046/j.1524-475x.2002.10901.x
Subject(s) - myofibroblast , fibroblast , inflammation , wound healing , pathology , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , dermis , medicine , cellular infiltration , mixed lymphocyte reaction , immunology , chemistry , fibrosis , immune system , t cell , in vitro , biochemistry
In the present study, we compared the use of autologous versus allogeneic fibroblasts in dermal skin substitutes in a porcine wound model. The allogeneic fibroblast populations were isolated from female and a male pig (allo‐1, ‐ 2 and ‐ 3) and the controls, autologous fibroblasts, from female graft‐recipient pigs (control). The histocompatibility of the three donor pigs with the recipient pigs was determined with a mixed lymphocyte reaction. In two pigs, full‐thickness wounds were treated with the fibroblast‐seeded dermal substitutes ( n =5 per animal) and immediately overgrafted with meshed split‐skin autografts. After 6 weeks, wound contraction was measured by planimetry and scar formation was scored. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks biopsies were taken and evaluated for the presence of inflammatory reactions, myofibroblasts, and scar formation. The mixed lymphocyte reaction of both recipient pigs showed the highest responses on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the allo‐3 donor pig, and was low or negative for allo‐1 and allo‐2. In all “allogeneic” wounds, more inflammatory cells were observed over time along with inflammatory foci consisting of a mix of lymphocytes and granulomatous cells. After 4 weeks, myofibroblasts were absent in the control wounds, whereas in “allogeneic” wounds, myofibroblasts colocalized with inflammation foci. The final scar tissue of the “allogeneic” wounds showed granulating areas with thin, immature collagen bundles. In contrast, the control wounds showed a dermal tissue with mature collagen bundles organized randomly like in normal skin. The wounds treated with allo‐3 fibroblasts showed in both pigs a significant increase in scar formation and wound contraction when compared with control wounds. In conclusion, for optimal restoration of dermal skin function with minimal scar formation, skin substitutes containing autologous fibroblasts are preferred over skin substitutes with allogeneic fibroblasts. (WOUND REP REG 2002;10:)