Mucosal wound healing in a rabbit model of subglottic stenosis: biochemical analysis of secretions.
OBJECTIVE
To build on work in laryngology and oral biology that suggests utility in the assay of secretions collected from wound sites as a predictive instrument to determine which infants will likely develop subglottic stenosis following endotracheal intubation and to document and describe the wound-healing process.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized design.


METHODS
Laser-induced subglottic injury was established in 3 rabbits. Secretions were collected from the subglottic region at 6 time points from days 4 to 21 following injury and from 4 uninjured control airways. The secretions were then subjected to enzyme-linked immunoassays for interleukin 1 beta and prostaglandin E2.


METHODS
Three adult New Zealand white rabbits.


METHODS
Interleukin 1 beta and prostaglandin E2 levels.


RESULTS
Measurable amounts of both mediators were obtained. Furthermore, different temporal patterns of expression were observed with interleukin 1 beta, showing increased levels on days 4 to 18, and with prostaglandin E2, showing increased levels on days 7 to 18. These results concur with emerging data regarding the role of each mediator in the wound-healing process.


CONCLUSIONS
Although in its infancy, the analysis of secretions collected from the site of injury in the subglottis may have utility in the management of patients following intubation-related trauma.
Branski
Ryan C
RC
Otolaryngology Wound Healing Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Sandulache
Vlad C
VC
Dohar
Joseph E
JE
Hebda
Patricia A
PA
D000818:Animals; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000032:analysis*; D005931:Glottis / Q000473:pathology*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000032:analysis*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
D007375:Interleukin-1; D015232:Dinoprostone