Histochemistry of the burned dermis.

Destructive enzyme activity as shown by β-d-glucuronidase exhibits a significant latent phase of 3-5 days in the healing process within the dermis of the burn wound. Acid phosphatase activity shows no significant change after 3-5 days within the burned dermis. Reparative enzyme activity demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase is shown only in the lower dermis, suggesting a migration of reparative cells into the dermis from adjacent uninjured tissue. The time of appearance of significant β-d-glucuronidase change correlates well with the success of autografting in the experimental tangential excision of burns. N.A.D. diaphorase activity shows no significant change during the period studied.