Single-cell suspensions of cultured human keratinocytes in fibrin-glue reconstitute the epidermis.
To overcome common disadvantages of standard cultured epidermal sheet grafts (CEG) we have developed a new technique of transplanting cultured human keratinocytes suspended as single cells in a fibrin-glue matrix (Keratinocyte-fibrin-glue suspension-KFGS). In an athymic mouse model with reproducible standardized full thickness wounds this new technique was compared directly to CEG. Reepithelialization was similar in both groups, but reconstitution of the dermo-epidermal junction zone, as shown by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry was significantly enhanced by the fibrin-glue suspension technique. The new KFGS technique is earlier available than sheet grafts, is able to transfer actively proliferative single keratinocytes, and simplifies the application.
Horch
R E
RE
Department of Plastic and Hand-Surgery, Medical School, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg i.Br., Germany.
Bannasch
H
H
Kopp
J
J
Andree
C
C
Stark
G B
GB
D000818:Animals; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005337:Fibrin; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012867:Skin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D014014:Tissue Adhesives; D014945:Wound Healing
D014014:Tissue Adhesives; D005337:Fibrin