Changes in the microvasculature of skin subjected to thermal injury

Guinea-pigs were anaesthetized and the caudal 50 per cent of the animal was scalded by immersion in boiling water (100 degrees C) for 3 seconds. Skin samples were obtained from 15 minutes to 24 hours after scalding. The microvascular alterations characteristic of experimentally-induced severe inflammatory responses were studied by electron microscopy. Large intercellular gaps were present in venule endothelium by 15 minutes after injury and in capillary endothelium by 30 minutes after injury. These were detectable for at least 24 hours after the burn. Extensive destruction was observed in peripheral nerves 15 minutes after injury. These were detectable for at least 24 hours after the burn. Extensive destruction was observed in peripheral nerves 15 minutes after injury and in endothelial cells 4 hours after scalding. No morphological evidence of a biphasic pattern of increased vascular permeability was detected in this material. The standardized, reproducible conditions of this study could be used to evaluate the efficacy of anti-inflammatory procedures of burn treatments of skin.