Establishment and evaluation of a xenon arc lamp-induced flash burn rat model
Quanxi Zhang1, Xiaofang Zou2, Zheng Zhang1
1Hebei North University School of Graduate Studies, Zhangjiakou 075000, China; Fourth Medical Center of PLA General, Beijing 100037, China.
Background:
The intense thermal radiation emitted by nuclear explosions can cause severe flash burn in humans. However, the rarity, destructiveness, and ethical constraints of nuclear testing necessitate reliable animal models to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies. Existing burn models fail to replicate the key characteristics of nuclear flash burns. This study aimed to establish a xenon arc lamp-induced flash burn to facilitate research into this injury mechanism.
Materials And Methods:
A 2.25 kW xenon arc lamp was chosen for its light source similarity to nuclear explosion flash burns. The shaved dorsal skin of rats was exposed at a distance of 5 cm from the lamp. A 2 cm × 2 cm area was exposed. Burn depth was assessed at 24, 48, 72 h post-exposure via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. Wound area was measured at 24 h post-exposure.
Result:
Exposure for 3 min produced first-degree burns. Four-minute exposure caused superficial partial-thickness burns, with full-thickness epidermal necrosis and viable deep dermal appendages. Six-minute exposure led to deep partial-thickness burns, characterized by destruction of the reticular dermis with partial preservation of deep hair follicle structures. Eight-minute exposure resulted in full-thickness burns, involving complete necrosis of all skin layers and appendages. Time-course analysis at 48 and 72 h post-exposure revealed progressive deepening of injury across all burn depths. In superficial and deep partial-thickness burns, the zone of necrosis extended into deeper dermal layers and, in some specimens, into the underlying muscle by 72 h. In full-thickness burns, a distinctive pattern was observed: at 24 h, skin appendages retained gross morphology despite complete nuclear loss; by 48-72 h, these structures underwent complete disintegration, confirming irreversible damage. Mean wound areas at 24 h were: superficial partial-thickness burns, 2.9 cm²; deep partial-thickness burns, 5.3 cm²; and full-thickness burns, 9.1 cm². Wound area increased significantly with burn depth (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
A rat model of flash burn was successfully established, recapitulating key characteristics of nuclear flash burns, providing a valuable experimental platform for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of flash burns and evaluating subsequent treatment recommendations.
