Take percentage and conditions of cultured epithelium were improved when basement membrane of the graft was maintained and anchoring mesh was added

To achieve a higher take rate for epithelial grafts, this study investigate d grafting techniques. Seventy-seven nude mice received flap grafting in wh ich cultured human epithelium was grafted inside the flap, and 55 nude rats received transplantation of epithelium to a full-thickness skin defect. In each group, four models were studied, including model 1, in which epitheli um was cultured with the conventional method: model 2, in which epithelium was cultured with fibrin gel to avoid sheet damage, then absorptive mesh wa s incorporated into the epithelium for anchoring to the graft bed; model 3, in which epithelium was cultured with fibrin gel and combined with absorpt ive mesh and artificial dermis containing fibroblasts; and model 4, in whic h the model 2 epithelium was grafted after artificial dermis was transplant ed. The take for these models was evaluated grossly and histologically. The results show that the take percentage of models 2 and 3 was significantly higher than that of model 1 (conventional epithelium) and that there was no significant difference between model 3 (simultaneous grafting) and model 4 (two-step grafting). The difference in the take percentages of the grafts to the flap and to the full-thickness skin defect was also insignificant. I n immunohistochemistry, human keratin appealed in all epidermis lavers and diversification of the layer was observed in models 2, 3, and 4. In these t hree models, type IV collagen appeared in the basal layer and the formation of basal membrane was confirmed. These findings suggest that epithelia cul tured on fibrin gel and combined with absorptive mesh could be used in a ne w technique for better, more stable take.