Use of porcine acellular dermal matrix as a dermal substitute in rats

Objective To examine porcine acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a xenogenic d ermal substitute in a rat model. Summary Background Data Acellular dermal matrix has been used in the treatm ent of full-thickness skin injuries as an allogenic dermal substitute provi ding a stable wound base in human and animal studies. Methods Xenogenic and allogenic ADMs were produced by treating porcine or r at skin with Dispase and Triton X-100. Full-thickness skin defects (225 mm( 2)) were created on the dorsum of rats (n = 29), porcine or rat ADMs were i mplanted in them, and these were overlain with ultrathin split-thickness sk in grafts (STSGs). In two adjacent wounds, 0.005- or 0.017-inch-thick autog rafts were implanted. In other experiments, the antimicrobial agent used du ring ADM processing (azide or a mixture of antibiotics) and the orientation of the implanted ADM (papillary or reticular side of ADM facing the STSG) were studied. Grafts were evaluated grossly and histologically for 30 days after surgery. Results Significant wound contraction was seen at 14, 20, and 30 days after surgery in wounds receiving xenogenic ADM, allogenic ADM, and thin STSGs. Contraction of wounds containing xenogenic ADM was significantly greater th an that of wounds containing allogenic ADM at 30 days after surgery. Graft take was poor in wounds containing xenogenic ADM and moderately good in tho se containing allogenic ADM. Wound healing was not significantly affected b y the antimicrobial agent used during ADM preparation or by the ADM orienta tion. Conclusion Dispase-Triton-treated allogenic ADM was useful as a dermal subs titute in full-thickness skin defects, but healing with xenogenic ADM was p oor.