Effect of double-layer human amnion on wound healing in deep second-degree burns of animals

Xuanhe SONG; Changdong FAN; Yao LI

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Previous research reveals that, single-layer human amnion is effective to cure superficial bums, but it is still unsatisfactory.

OBJECTIVE:

To observe the effects of double-layer radiation-treated human amnion on the healing of deep second-degree burn wound.DESIGN, TIME AND

SETTING:

Randomized control study was performed at the Animal Experimental Center in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (Harbin, Heilongjiang, China) from December 2006 to May 2007.MATERIALS Fifty adult Wistar rats of clean grade were burned and then assigned into five groups at post-injury 4, 6, 8,10 and 12 days, with ten rats in each group. Subsequent to the chorion removal, the fresh human amniotic membrane was dried and prepared into double-layer films, which were aporate or porous. Human amnion was then radiated using γ-ray for further use.

METHODS:

Following dorsal skin epilatiou and the anesthesia, all the rats were immersed for 8 seconds in boiling water to induce rat models of deep second-degree burns. One side of the burn wound was applied human amnion, while the other side was applied oil gauze.MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

Gross observation of the bum wound was carried out at post-injury 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 days. Meanwhile, light microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope were employed to detect the histological changes of the burn wound, as well as bacteriological examination.

RESULTS:

Fifty rats were all involved in the result analysis. Sphacelism and crust were found in the burn wound treated with oil gauze, with the presence of focal ulcer at post-injury 12 days. Under light microscope, few hairs regenerated in dermis, especially hair follicle and hair root; Scanning electron microscope suggested a large amount of inflammatory exudates and leukocytes; Transmission electron microscope revealed an unclear structure of the cells. Bacteriological examination also indicated that the bacteria aecreted on the surface of burn wound. The treatment of double-layer radiation-treated human amniou healed the burn wound at post-injury 10 and 12 days, and the hairs grew with the same manner as that of normal skin. Epidermis tissues were proved to be normal skin at post-injury 12 days by means of light microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Bacteriology was detected to be negative.

CONCLUSION:

Double-layer radiation-treated human amnion plays a protective role on the burn wound in rats. It may facilitate epithelial growth, avoid wound infection and accelerate the healing of deep second-degree burn.