Investigation on contraction mechanism of expanded tissue / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the contraction mechanism of expanded tissue.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>White domestic pigs were employed to establish tissue expansion model. Tissue samples were taken after expansion for contraction measurements and histopathological observation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Dermis and capsule were the main positions of contraction. In the dermal layer, elastic fibers and myofibroblasts proliferated greatly and alpha-Actin enhanced in the myoepidermal cells and capillary endothelial cells during expansion. In the capsule, the direction of elastic and collagen fibers arranged crossly and formed into special contractible structure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Elastic fibers, myofibroblasts and alpha-Actin enhancement of cells were the substantial materials of tissue contracture increases. The results suggest that suitable tension must be applied into expanded flaps for anti-contraction.</p>