An in vivo model for epithelialization kinetics in human skin

Epithelialization of wounds has been difficult to measure objectively due to the lack of an adequate model. This paper presents a model for the investigation of epithelialization kinetics in human skin using athymic (nude) rats as an in vivo vehicle. Nude rats are T-cell depleted and as such tolerate xenografts. This technique allows an epithelialization rate for a graft to be calculated by plotting the percentage of its designated analysis area to be closed by neoepithelium over time. This model provides a toot whereby the-effect of various agents on the epithelialization kinetics of human skin can be objectively and reproducibly examined, This information may be usefully applied to the clinical management of wounds.