Primary chicken embryo fibroblasts seeded acellular dermal matrix (3-D ADM) improve regeneration of full thickness skin wounds in rats

• The rat skin was deepithelialized by hypertonic saline and decellularized by sodium deoxycholate.
• The primary chicken embryo fibroblast cells were cultured and seeded on acellular dermal matrix.
• A large scar and more oxidative stress were observed in group 1.
• There was slightly more B cell response in animals implanted with 3-D ADM and bioengineered grafts.
• It was concluded that P-CEF cells seeded ADM facilitated early and better healing.

Rat skins were deepithelialized and decellularized by hypertonic saline and sodium deoxycholate (SDC), respectively. Primary chicken embryo fibroblasts (P-CEF) were cultured and seeded on prepared acellular dermal matrix (ADM). A full thickness skin defect (20 × 20 mm2) was created in thirty-six rats and randomly divided into three equal groups. Defect was left open, repaired with ADM and ADM seeded with P-CEF (3-D ADM) in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. By day 28, the treated wounds healed completely without scar. By day 7 hydroxyproline contents was higher in group 3 as compared to groups 1 and 2. There was slightly more B cell response in animals implanted with ADM and 3-D ADM. At day 21, stimulation index was lower with acellular dermis antigen as compared to 3-D ADM antigen. In group 1 on day 3, the granulation tissue showed more inflammatory reaction, fibroplasia and neovascularization as compared to group 2 and 3. By day 28, there was complete epithelization was observed in all groups over. However, a large scar was observed in group 1. The graft was completely absorbed and replaced with densely thick and best arranged collagen fibers. On day 7, malonyldialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in group 1. Reduced glutathione values increased and reached to near normal in groups 2 and 3. Catalase values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group 1 at different time intervals. SEM samples of group 2 showed ingrowth of fibroblasts into acellular matrix at host graft junction. However, in group 3 fibroblasts were infiltrated within the pores of graft. It was concluded that P-CEF cells seeded ADM facilitated early and better healing.