HEALING PATTERNS OF THE ACELLULAR DERMAL MATRIX DEPEND ON GRAFT METHOD IN THE RABBIT EARS

Purpose: The retention of the basement membrane complex, which was the unique feature of the acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm � ), plays an important role in the normal process of wound healing. The present study was aimed to compare the healing of the acellular dermal matrix according to the graft method in the rabbit ear. Materials a and m methods: Six mature rabbits weighing about 3.0 kg were used, 10 × 5 mm sized subcutaneous pockets were created between the ear skin and the underlying perichondrium. In the control group, the acellular dermal matrix was grafted with the basement membrane facing toward the perichondrium. On the contrary, the acellular dermal matrix was grafted with the basement membrane facing toward the skin side in the experimental group Ⅰ. In the experimental group Ⅱ, the acellular dermal matrix was grafted like rolled configuration with basement membrane side in. The grafted site was picked at 3, 7, and 21 days after the graft. Serial sections were processed by H-E stain and examined under light microscopy to assess the healing patterns. Results: There was no distinct volume loss in the gross examination, but resorption was observed from the edge of the acellular dermal matrix in the histological examination. The space of resorption was replaced by the newly formed fibrous tissues and vessels. The inflammatory cells were more increased at 7 days after the graft than the early days. However, inflammation was decreased at 21 days after the graft. Regardless of the graft direction, no differences were observed between the control and the experimental group Ⅰ in the healing patterns. Conclusion: These results suggest that the acellular dermal matrix can be used simply and effectively without regard to the graft direction as a substitute of autogenous material for repairing soft tissue defect.