ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the changes in cytokeratin expression pattern of the regenerated epithelia of dermal tissue flaps transferred for intraoral mucosal reconstruction. Methods Mucosal defects were made on the right buccal mucosa of 12 healthy adult dogs, and then were reconstructed immediately by pedicled platysma myodermal flaps (PMDF). Changes in the expression patterns of CK10 and CK19 of the epithelia on the flaps were observed by immunohistochemical staining. Results Low level of CK19 expression was found in the basal layer and the layers superior to the basal layer of the regenerated epithelia at 4 week after transferring the dermal tissue flaps. The expression pattern of keratin in PMDF was identical to that of the normal skin 12 weeks later. Conclusion The regenerated epithelia remain the original structure without mucosal changes.