An experimental evaluation of a histochemical diagnosis of burn depth

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2> Preliminary findings are reported on the effects of linear burns on rat skin, using neotetrazolium chloride and reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide as histochemical criteria for the detection of DPNH dehydrogenase activity in burned tissues. The appearance of a red band of cells in the injured dermis, immediately following thermal injury, as detected by this technique, may be of particular relevance to the rapid early diagnosis of burn depth. Above this band the dermal and epithelial tissue has been irreparably damaged and is destined to be sloughed; below the band, the dermal tissue unless further insulted will undergo repair. If epidermal elements (pilosebaceous units) are present below the band, resurfacing is greatly facilitated.