E-cadherin expression in wound healing of mouse skin

Background: E-cadherin has been studied extensively in other systems but li ttle attention has been paid to its role in wound healing. We investigated E-cadherin expression in epithelial wound healing in vivo by focusing on th e migrating cells in the epithelial tongue and the mitotic cells in the non -injured side apart from the original wound edge. Methods: Round full-thickness excisional wounds (6 mm in diameter) and full -thickness incisional wounds were prepared dorsally in mice. On various day s after the operation, E-cadherin expression was examined by immunohistoche mical staining using a monoclonal antibody specific for E-cadherin. Results: In both models, the level of E-cadherin expression did not decreas e on the Ist postoperative (P.O.) day. After die 2nd P.O. day, E-cadherin e xpression decreased in cells at a site 500 mum apart fr om the original wou nd edge. After the 3rd P.O. day, decreased expression was also observed in cells at the top and in the basal layer of the epithelial tongue. This decr eased expression continued for 1 or 2 days after the meeting of the epithel ial tongue. There was no significant difference in tile expression of E-cad herin between two models. Conclusions: The results suggested that E-cadherin expression decreases in epithelial cells. This decrease may depend on the activity of migration and mitosis. In addition, the change was similar in both the excisional and in cisional wounds.