2016 Volume No 32 –
pages 202-215
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Title: The dorsal skinfold chamber: A versatile tool for preclinical research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine |
Authors: MW Laschke, MD Menger |
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Address: Institute for Clinical & Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany |
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E-mail: matthias.laschke at uks.eu |
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Key Words: Tissue engineering, angiogenesis, inflammation, microcirculation, biocompatibility, scaffold, skin, dermal substitute, wound healing, flap. |
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Publication date: September 20th 2016 |
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Abstract: The dorsal skinfold chamber is a rodent model for non-invasive microcirculatory analyses of striated muscle and skin tissue throughout an observation period of 2-3 weeks. In combination with intravital fluorescence microscopy, this model allows the quantitative assessment of dynamic processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, vascular remodelling and microcirculation. Accordingly, the dorsal skinfold chamber is increasingly used for preclinical research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This includes studies on biocompatibility, vascularisation and incorporation of medical implants and artificial tissue constructs. Moreover, the chamber implantation procedure has been modified to analyse primary and secondary wound healing as well as revascularisation and blood perfusion of dermal substitutes, skin grafts and myocutaneous flaps. Hence, the dorsal skinfold chamber model does not only provide deep insights into fundamental regenerative mechanisms but also represents a versatile tool for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. |
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Article download: Pages
202-215 (PDF file) |
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