The enhancement of cellular infiltration and vascularisation of a collagenous dermal implant in the rat by platelet-derived growth factor BB

Abstract

The implantation of collagen-based dermal substitutes offers one means of management of full-thickness skin lesions. We have examined the effect of the recombinant BB homodimer of platelet-derived growth factor (rPDGF-BB) on the extent of cellular infiltration and vascularisation of collagen sponges implanted into full-thickness excision wounds in rats. Histological examination of sponges excised 14 and 21 days post-implantation in dose-response studies in which 0–4 μg rPDGF-BB were applied to the undersurface of each sponge, immediately prior to its implantation, demonstrated a progressively increased infiltration of host cells, especially fibroblasts, and enhanced capillary formation. With 4 μg rPDGF-BB, an enhanced infiltration of fibroblasts into sponges was already apparent 3 days post-implantation, and enhanced capillary formation was noticeable after 7 days. This neovascularisation was noted to be associated with improved survival of autologous split-thickness skin grafts applied to the sponges immediately following their implantation.