Myofibroblasts in head and neck surgery. An experimental and clinical study

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Wound Healing Research
• Tissue Regeneration

Background:

• Myofibroblasts, resembling smooth muscle cells, are implicated in wound contraction.
• These cells are observed in both granulation and contracted scar tissues.
• Their specific role in head and neck wound healing requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and role of myofibroblasts in different types of head and neck wounds.
• To utilize advanced microscopy and immunochemical techniques for myofibroblast identification.
• To differentiate myofibroblast presence in acute, chronic, and scar tissue.

Main Methods:

• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural analysis.
• Immunoperoxidase staining using antibodies against vimentin and muscle-specific actins.
• Creation and serial biopsy of high-tension, low-tension, and granulating wounds in piglets.
• Clinical assessment of myofibroblast presence in human hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Main Results:

• Piglet models showed abundant myofibroblasts in granulating wounds, but few in high- or low-tension wounds.
• Immunoperoxidase staining with muscle-specific actin antibodies effectively identified myofibroblasts.
• Myofibroblasts were prevalent in human granulating wounds and hypertrophic scars.
• Mature keloids showed a limited presence of myofibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• Myofibroblasts play a significant role in the healing of granulating wounds and the formation of hypertrophic scars.
• The distribution of myofibroblasts varies depending on wound type and healing stage.
• Muscle-specific actin antibodies are valuable tools for myofibroblast identification in wound research.