Objective: To investigate the outcome and histological changes of transplantation of acellular xeno-dermis combined with suspended keratinocytes.
Methods: Forty-two nude mice with full-thickness skin defect on the back were randomly divided into 2 groups, then acellular xeno-dermisand and suspended keratinocytes were adopted to cover the skin defect in the experimental group, pure suspended keratinocytes in the control group. The area of wound healing was calculated 2, 3 and 5 weeks after transplantation, and the rates of wound contraction were also calculated, and biopsy for histological examination was performed 3, 6 and 12 weeks after transplantation.
Results: Compared with the experimental group, the control group showed delayed wound healing (P < 0.05), intensive wound contraction (P < 0.05), poor durability, elasticity, and cosmetic appearances as well as disordered collagen fibers. In contrast, it was observed that the proliferation of collagen fibers was regularly organized, with no obvious acute immuno-rejection responses in the experimental group.
Conclusion: The composite transplantation of acellular xenodermis and suspended keratinocytes could promote the wound healing with a satisfactory outcome.