Host response to multiple skin lacerations on the albino guinea pig

Investigators have studied methods of treating skin lacerations by placing multiple incisions on each albino guinea pig. Theoretically, host responses to laceration sites may differ on the basis of anatomic location and local cytokine effects. We used cytokine values and histologic examination to identify differences when multiple lacerations were placed on each animal. Four 3-cm lacerations were made on the dorsum of each male albino guinea pig: two incisions on either side and parallel to the spine. Each laceration was closed with staples. In five animals a sponge technique was used to assay wound cytokines 48 h later. In an additional four animals, wounds were excised at 96 h and stained for cells and new collagen. We identified no statistically significant differences among laceration sites based on polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cellularity, number of fibroblasts, new collagen deposition, or wound interleukin (IL)-6 activities. Using this model minimizes the number of animals needed to generate statistically significant findings in wound research.