Effect of intermittent radiant warming on proliferation of human dermal endothelial cells in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the effect of Warm-Up therapy on the proliferation of human microvascular dermal endothelial cells.


METHODS
Endothelial cells from an adult subject were seeded in six-well plates and placed in an incubator at 32.5 degrees C. The following day Warm-Up dressings were placed over the plates, with or without warming cards. Cards set at 38 degrees C or 42 degrees C raised the temperature in the medium to maxima of 34.5 degrees C and 37.5 degrees C respectively. Units were switched on daily for three one-hour periods. Cell numbers were counted by haemocytometer.


RESULTS
Maximum stimulation of endothelial cell proliferation occurred under the 38 degrees C card, with cells numbering 135-158% of the controls (p < 0.05). the 42 degrees C card also stimulated cells (110-155%) but this did not reach statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
The accelerated proliferation of microvascular dermal endothelial cells achieved by intermittent radiant warming may have contributed to the increase in granulation tissue reported previously in our clinic.
Hughes
M A
MA
Oxford Wound Healing Institute, The Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK. oxfordwound@aol.com
Tang
C
C
Cherry
G W
GW
D000328:Adult; D002452:Cell Count; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004727:Endothelium / Q000098:blood supply / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D008833:Microcirculation; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology*; D012881:Skin Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*