Effect of occlusion on cell proliferation during epidermal healing.
BACKGROUND
Occlusive dressings influence epithelization of superficial wounds by some unknown mechanism(s).


OBJECTIVE
The effects of occlusion on epidermal cell proliferation in two types of wounds were examined.


METHODS
Partial-thickness wounds and tape-stripped skin wounds were compared. An immunohistochemical technique, employing PC10 - a monoclonal antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) - was applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded porcine tissue sections.


RESULTS
The number of PC10-positive cells was low during the migratory phase, then increased to a peak of proliferation 2 to 3 days after resurfacing. An overall increased proliferative response (mean = 21%) was seen in occluded compared to control partial-thickness wounds (day 10 postoperatively); an opposite effect of occlusion on epidermal proliferation was seen in tape-stripped skin. Occlusion decreased the proliferative response (mean = 42%) compared to air-exposure.


CONCLUSIONS
Occlusion increased epidermal cell proliferation in wounds (where the entire surface epithelium and papillary dermis was removed), whereas an opposite effect was seen in tape-stripped skin from which only the stratum corneum had been removed.
Levine
R
R
McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Agren
M S
MS
Mertz
P M
PM
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D019540:Area Under Curve; D002455:Cell Division; D004817:Epidermis / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011140:Polyurethanes; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D013552:Swine; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D011140:Polyurethanes; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen