THE EFFECT OF BURN BLISTER FLUID ON FIBROBLAST CONTRACTION

Burns of the hand seem to be followed by more stiffness and contractur es than other injuries. This study was aimed at examining whether burn exudate contributes to this difference. five cell strains of human de rmal fibroblasts were each treated with three samples of burn blister fluid and the effect compared with the rate of contraction of free flo ating fibroblast populated collagen lattices (FPCL). In addition, the response of fibroblasts from the dermis, fascia and peritendinous shea th of the hand to burn fluid were compared both in FPCLs and the tensi le forces they generated in the culture force monitor. Results of this study consistently show that the addition of burn fluid to culture me dium stimulates fibroblasts to contract to a greater degree in the fir st 24-48 h. It is proposed that the presence of burn blister fluid pro vides materials which promote contraction. This in turn may contribute to the postburn stiffness seen clinically. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd for ISBI.