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Denervation Affected Skin Wound Healing in a Modified Rat Model
Lu Lu1, Dandan Liu2, Jianghui Ying1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Dongfang Hospital, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds
|March 28, 2022
Summary
A modified rat model for denervated wound healing shows that nerve damage significantly impairs skin repair. This model helps study nerve-wound interactions and develop new treatments for chronic wounds.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Wound Healing Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Loss of normal innervation is linked to chronic wounds and ulcer recurrence.
- Existing rodent models have limitations in mimicking human denervated wound healing, which relies on re-epithelialization over contraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a modified rat model for studying denervated wound healing.
- To better mimic clinical scenarios of denervated wounds.
Main Methods:
- Sciatic and femoral nerves were co-transected in rats to create a denervated hind paw (experimental group).
- A sham surgery was performed on the contralateral paw (control group).
- Skin punch wounds were created, and healing was assessed via digital photography and histological analysis.
Main Results:
- Denervation significantly reduced wound closure rate, prolonged inflammation, and weakened dermal contraction.
- Macrophage recruitment, re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and epidermal proliferation were all hindered.
- Persistent epidermal apoptosis was observed in denervated wounds compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The modified rat model effectively simulates denervated skin healing, impacting multiple histological processes.
- This model can advance the understanding of nerve-wound relationships.
- It offers a platform for developing and translating new therapeutic strategies for denervated wounds.
