Cell Patterns in Open Wound Healing: Light and Electron Microscopic Observation

ABSTRACT

Cell patterns in open wound healing are studied by both light and electron microscopic examinations in regards to time sequence, metamorphosis, and functional aspects. Process of the open wound healing clearly exhibited not only time sequence of cllular appearance but also zonation of cells. In the initial stage, until the 3rd day, the neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes were predominant and particularly concentrated in the scab region. The mononuclear cells were active cells during the 1st to 7th day and were mainly concentrated in the subscab region. The fibroblastic activities started from the 3rd day and became very active during the 5th to the 10th day, and they were concentrated at granulation tissue region. During the process of wound healing, the cellular elements underwent metamorphosis; The neutrophils from normal to swollen and finally degenerating; the mononuclear to macrophages; the fibroblasts from immature to mature actively protein synthesizing cells. The functions of each cellular element can not be determined with certainty. However, the main function of neutrophils in wound healing is likely the formation of front line defense as a part of the scab formation on the surface. And the major function of mononuclear cells is to debride exudates and damaged tissue debris especially at the subscab area and that of the fibroblasts to replace the tissue defect by proliferation and production of fibrous proteins.