Hypertrophic Scarring After Partial-Thickness Wounds

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Hypertrophic scarring after burns and deep dermal injuries is as large a societal burden as it was 30 years ago. The reasons include 1) no validated animal model and 2) general use of non-specific homogenized samples of scar tissue without regard for histology or specimen age. We propose two exploratory approaches to studying hypertrophic scar that may provide relevent clinical data. First, the female, Duroc pig model of scarring was described 30 years ago but never explored in detail. We have developed a five-step method to validate the model and find that the model may be similar to hypertrophic scarring in humans. Second, the cones of skin extend from the hypodermis to the skin surface. They were described over one hundred years ago but have also been ignored. We have revisited the cones and found that they occur in the same locations that hypertrophic scar occurs thus suggesting a relationship. Hypothesis - Based on these premises we hypothesize that thick scar in the female, red Duroc pig is a valid model of hypertrophic scarring and can be used to determine whether the cones of skin are the source of profibrogenic signals or fibrosis during hypertrophic scarring. Specific Aim #1 - To complete the validation of the female Duroc pig model of human, hypertrophic scar. We will compare mast cell counts, the presence of collagen nodules, and transmission electron microscopy studies of collagen structure in scar of the female Duroc pig to human hypertrophic scar and to the literature. Specific Aim #2 - To determine whether gene expression patterns in cones of skin suggest a role for these structures in profibrogenic signaling or fibrosis during scarring in the female Duroc. We will laser capture microdissect cones from shallow and deep partial-thickness Duroc wounds, extract and amplify the mRNA, and perform porcine DNA array analysis to determine which genes are differentially expressed.