An in vivo model for evaluating wound repair and regeneration microenvironments.
BACKGROUND
Factors differentially regulating regeneration and repair as contrasting resolutions to injury are unknown. We adapted a common wound healing model to further characterize mammalian wound repair and regeneration microenvironments.


METHODS
Polyvinyl alcohol sponges, sponges containing minced muscle, or blocks of minced muscle were implanted onto the backs of Fischer rats. Vascularization was assessed by infusion with india ink and progress of regeneration was evaluated histologically.


RESULTS
Regeneration occurring within sponges was histologically similar to that of free muscle blocks; but, was initiated more slowly. Vascularization of minced muscle implanted in sponges was delayed slightly compared to implanted free muscle blocks.


CONCLUSIONS
Regeneration of minced muscle in sponges parallels normal regeneration of free minced muscle. Incorporation into a wound repair model provides access to interstitial fluids conditioned by regenerating muscle and will lead to more detailed comparisons of the content and properties of repair and regeneration microenvironments.
Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA. sicar001@maroon.tc.umn.edu
R E
RE
Sicard
L M
LM
Nguyen
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006097:Granulation Tissue / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D012038:Regeneration; D015503:Surgical Sponges; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol