A Standardized Model of Partial Thickness Burn in Domestic Pig

ABSTRACT

A standardized animal model with an identical burn wound depth is necessary to carry out a study on burn wound healing. It should be easy to operate, reliable and reproducible. The authors used pigs because they histologically resembles human skin most. The method of getting the pigs burned embodied a standardized burn models by using a digitally controlled aluminum thermal block designed by the authors. Nine pigs were burned by maintaining the heat at 70degrees C for 10 seconds, 15 seconds and 20 seconds, respectively, and at 80degrees C, 85degrees C, 90degrees C, 95degrees C and 100degrees C, every 5 seconds, 10 seconds and 15 seconds, for a total of 54 contact burn wounds. And another six pigs were burned at same contact time and temperature (n=3). Another three pigs were burned by maintaining the heat at 80degrees C for 10 seconds to produce 30 more contact burn wounds (n=30). After wounding, the burned skin was biopsied, stained with H&E and observed under microscopy. Two pathologists measured the vertical distance between the basement membrane and dermal tissue of the deepest burned tissue. The depth of burn increased at a regular phase in proportion to the temperature and the time of increasing temperature. The depth of 30 biopsies of the burned tissue at 80degrees C for 10 seconds was similar statistically. Therefore, the standardized burn model of a pig, made by using digitally controlled aluminum thermal block is highly simple, reliable and reproducible for a standardized burn model, and will be very helpful in the study of burn wound healing.