Comparative histologic and immunologic evaluation of 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether crosslinked versus noncrosslinked acellular swim bladder matrix for healing of full-thickness skin wounds in rabbits.

BACKGROUND

Collagen-rich extracellular matrix from land-based mammalian tissues is increasingly used in regenerative medicine. However, its uses are associated with risk of disease transfer and may carry an ethnocultural stigma. In the present study, collagen-rich acellular swim bladder matrix (ASBM) from Rohu fish was prepared using sodium deoxycholate and crosslinked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDGE). Wound healing potential of ASBM and ASBM-BDDGE was compared in full-thickness skin wounds in rabbits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four full-thickness skin wounds (20 × 20 mm(2) each) were created on the dorsum of 18 rabbits and randomly divided into three equal groups. Wounds were left open, repaired with ASBM and ASBM-BDDGE in groups sham (I), ASBM (II), and ASBM-BDDGE (III), respectively. Planimetry, contracture, immunologic, and histologic observations were carried out to evaluate wound healing.

RESULTS

Significantly (P < 0.05) lesser wound contraction was observed in ASBM (II) and ASBM-BDDGE (III) groups compared with sham (I) group. Total immunoglobulin G response in rabbit sera was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the ASBM-BDDGE (III) group compared with ASBM (II) group by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Stimulation index of peripheral blood lymphocytes was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the ASBM-BDDGE (III) group compared with ASBM (II) group by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Histologically, improved epithelialization, neovascularization, fibroplasia, and best arranged collagen fibers were observed in ASBM (II) and ASBM-BDDGE (III) groups as early as on postimplantation day 21.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study indicate that BDDGE crosslinked ASBM derived from Rohu fish has potential for the clinical applications. Furthermore, it is expected that their clinical applications will not be limited by ethnocultural stigma.