The time-dependent expression of keratins 5 and 13 during the reepithelialization of human skin wounds.
The time-dependent reepithelialization of 55 human surgical skin wounds with a wound age between 8 h and more than 2 months was investigated by the immunohistochemical localization of cytokeratins 5 and 13. A complete, rebuilt epidermal layer over the wound area was first detectable in a 5-day-old wound, while all wounds of more than 18 days duration contained a completely reepithelialized wound area. Between 5 and 18 days the basal layer of keratinocytes showed--in contrast to normal skin--only some cells positive for cytokeratin 5. In some, but not all lesions with a wound age of 13 days or more, a basal cell layer completely staining for cytokeratin 5 was demonstrable. This staining pattern was found in all skin wounds with a wound age of more than 23 days. The immunohistochemical detection of cytokeratin 13 which can be observed regularly in non-cornifying squamous epithelia provides no information for the time-estimation of human skin wounds, since no significant temporary expression of this polypeptide seems to occur during the healing of human skin wounds.
Betz
P
P
Department of Legal Medicine, University of Munich, Germany.
Nerlich
A
A
Tübel
J
J
Penning
R
R
Eisenmenger
W
W
D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000473:pathology; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis*; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
D007633:Keratins