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Endothelial thrombomodulin (CD 141) in a rabbit burn model
Silvester von Bülow1, Th Hartmann, P C Fuchs
1Klinik fuer Plastische Chirurgie, Hand- und Verbrennungschirurgie, Universitaetsklinikum Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. svonbuelow@ukaachen.de
Summary
Thermal injuries cause shedding of thrombomodulin (CD 141) from endothelial cells, potentially leading to progressive skin damage and organ dysfunction. This shedding was observed in areas with reduced dermal blood flow.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Dermatology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Thrombomodulin (CD 141) is an endothelial glycoprotein crucial for regulating coagulation.
- In sepsis, CD 141 shedding is linked to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and organ failure.
- The role of thrombomodulin shedding in thermal injuries remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the shedding of endothelial-bound thrombomodulin (CD 141) in thermal injuries.
- To determine if thrombomodulin shedding correlates with dermal blood flow changes post-burn.
Main Methods:
- Induce thermal burns in New Zealand white rabbits.
- Analyze dermal blood flow using indocyanine green fluorescence.
- Perform immunoperoxidase staining for CD 141 on skin biopsies from burn wounds and control sites.
Main Results:
- Reduced dermal blood flow was observed in burned areas and zones of stasis.
- Thrombomodulin was detectable on capillary endothelial cells only in unburned skin.
- No thrombomodulin was detected in burn wounds or zones of stasis, indicating shedding.
Conclusions:
- Thermal injuries lead to the shedding of dermal thrombomodulin.
- This shedding may contribute to progressive skin damage in the zone of stasis.
- Thrombomodulin inactivation could promote DIC and multiple organ dysfunction in severe burns.