Effect of Occlusion on Cell Proliferation during Epidermal Healing

Abstract

Background:

Occlusive dressings influence epithelization of superficial wounds by some unknown mechanism(s).

Objective:

The effects of occlusion on epidermal cell proliferation in two types of wounds were examined.

Methods:

Partial-thickness wounds and tape-stripped skin wounds were compared. An immunohistochemical technique, employing PC10 — a monoclonal antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) — was applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded porcine tissue sections.

Results:

The number of PC10-positive cells was low during the migratory phase, then increased to a peak of proliferation 2 to 3 days after resurfacing. An overall increased proliferative response (mean = 21%) was seen in occluded compared to control partial-thickness wounds (day 10 postoperatively); an opposite effect of occlusion on epidermal proliferation was seen in tape-stripped skin. Occlusion decreased the proliferative response (mean = 42%) compared to air-exposure.

Conclusion:

Occlusion increased epidermal cell proliferation in wounds (where the entire surface epithelium and papillary dermis was removed), whereas an opposite effect was seen in tape-stripped skin from which only the stratum corneum had been removed.