IMPLICATION OF BASEMENT-MEMBRANE DEVELOPMENT ON THE UNDERLYING SCAR IN PARTIAL THICKNESS BURN INJURY

There is increasing evidence from the scientific literature that the d eveloping epithelial basement membrane has the potential to influence the underlying dermis. The most rapidly dividing and active cell withi n the skin complex is the basal cell of the epidermis(1). The basal ce ll is well known to produce numerous protein factors which influence c ellular growth and differentiation. The underlying dermal fibroblasts, by comparison, are relatively static. The concept that basal cells ha ve an influence on the dermal and overall skin environment via the ext racellular expression of proteins in the extracellular matrix, is gain ing increased interest. A hypertrophic scar is a dermal phenomenon res ulting from an imbalance in collagen production and maturation. Althou gh the collagen is produced by the fibroblast, the extracellular matri x is an area where the epidermal cells have a potential influence. It is therefore the purpose of this paper to explore the idea that the cu ltured epithelial autograft may have an influence on the quality of sc arring. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd for ISBI.