Burn Infliction Research Articles

Effect of Burns over Speech: In Context to Dying Declaration

The dying declaration remains important evidence in trials of burned victims in India. However, its evidentiary value is often negated because facial involvement or larger body area involved due to burns may make victims incapable of speaking properly. Hence, this study aimed to study the effect of burn on speech in relation to parameters like age, gender, and total body surface area affected (TBSA). The study included eighty patients having burn injuries over the head, neck, face, and upper chest. They were evaluated longitudinally from the time of infliction of burns at six hourly intervals, at 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, and 24 hours. The speech was assessed using a scale having components of orientation, content, coherence, and articulation. The speech was well preserved in maximally affected age groups (21-40 years); speech was found to be preserved in varying involvement of body surface area. While considering gender and speech, it is observed that speech is relatively unaffected in females; in fact, females can tolerate burns better than males and have well-preserved speech. The above findings were constant at all-time intervals, i.e., at 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, and 24 hours. Overall, the study disproves the notion that burn victims having facial involvement and greater total body surface area (TBSA) involvement cannot give a valid dying declaration.

Experimental Models for Controlled Burn Injuries in Rats: A Systematic Analysis of Original Methods and Burn Devices.

Despite a wide variety of models found in literature, choosing the right one can be difficult as many of them are lacking precise methodology. This study aims to analyze and compare original burn models in terms of burn device and technique, parameters, and wound depth assessment. A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines on studies describing original experimental burn models in rats. The adapted PICO formula and ARRIVE checklist were followed for inclusion and assessment of quality of studies. Characteristics of animals, burn technique, burn parameters, and method of histological confirmation of burn depth were recorded. Twenty-seven studies were included in the final analysis. Most studies used direct contact with skin for burn infliction (n = 20). The rat's dorsum was the most common site (n = 18). Ten studies used manually controlled burn devices, while 10 designed automatic burn devices with control over temperature (n = 10), exposure time (n = 5), and pressure (n = 5). Most studies (n = 7) used a single biopsy taken from the center of the wound to confirm burn depth immediately after burn infliction. From the wide variety of burn models in current literature, our study provides an overview of the most relevant experimental burn models in rats aiding researchers to understand what needs to be addressed when designing their burn protocol. Models cannot be compared as burn parameters variate significantly. Assessment of burn depth should be done in a standardized, sequential fashion in future burn studies to increase reproducibility.

Copper Ions Ameliorated Thermal Burn-Induced Damage in ex vivo Human Skin Organ Culture

Introduction: The zone of stasis is formed around the coagulation zone following skin burning and is characterized by its unique potential for salvation. The cells in this zone may die or survive depending on the severity of the burn and therefore are target for the local treatments of burns. Their low survival rate is consistent with decreased tissue perfusion, hypotension, infection, and/or edema, resulting in a significant increase in the wound size following burning. Copper is an essential trace mineral needed for the normal function of almost all body tissues, including the skin. Objective: The aim of the work was to study the effect copper ions have on skin burn pathophysiology. Methods: Skin obtained from healthy patients undergoing abdominoplasty surgery was cut into 8 × 8 mm squares, and round 0.8-mm diameter burn wounds were inflicted on the skin explants. The burned and control intact skin samples were cultured up to 27 days after wounding. Immediately following injury and then again every 48 h, saline only or containing 0.02 or 1 µM copper ions was added onto the skin explant burn wounds. Results: We found that exposing the wounded sites immediately after burn infliction to 0.02 or 1 µM copper ions reduced the deterioration of the zone of stasis and the increase in wound size. The presence of the copper ions prevented the dramatic increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8) and transforming growth factor beta-1 that followed skin burning. We also detected re-epithelialization of the skin tissue and a greater amount of collagen fibers upon copper treatment. Conclusion: The deterioration of the zone of stasis and the increase in wound size following burning may be prevented or reduced by using copper ion-based therapeutic interventions.

Initial assessment of mortality rates of burn patients in a tertiary care hospital by total body surface area, depth and facial burns, and its correlation with serial total leucocyte count

Background: The pattern of burns in victims varies with the manner of infliction of burns. Age plays an important role in deciding the mortality and morbidity of burn victims. Other factors that decide the prognosis of burn victims are the total body surface area (TBSA), Depth of burns, and inhalational injury as evidenced by facial burns. Assessment of these epidemiological factors and inhalational injury can be done as a part of the initial evaluation. Such an assessment aid in resuscitation including emergent airway and decision making regarding the need for skin grafts or escharotomy. Serial measurement of total leucocyte count also helps in identifying the onset of infection and progress to septicaemia and increased mortality rates.Methods: As a part of the initial evaluation, we attempt to study the relation between TBSA, Depth of burns, facial burns, and total WBC count with mortality. A background of septicaemia was also noticed in the majority of patients.Results: For analysis, patients were divided into two groups- Survivors and Non-survivors. A fall in total WBC count coincided with the onset of sepsis and mortality. The other three factors also had a direct correlation with mortality rates.Conclusions: A scoring system constituting all the factors is essential as an initial diagnostic step and it will help in deciding early intubation, escharotomy, and aggressive fluid resuscitation.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Burn Patients in a Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Imbalance in multi-factorial components of human ecology plays a role in developing post-traumatic stress disorder hampering economical productivity and normal social life.
 Objectives: To find out the interplay of issues that are conducive to the outcome of the disorder among hospital admitted burn patients.
 Materials and Methods: This unobtrusive qualitative behavioral health research by in-depth interview was conducted among conveniently selected 35 burn patients in Dhaka Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh from July 2013 to June 2014. The data were analyzed to draw conclusion through etic and/or emic interpretation. All ethical issues were taken care of.
 Results: The highest 80% burn patients were married, 71% were male, and 80% were Muslim. Majority 37.14% were day laborer, 28.57% had completed primary education, 34.29% belonged to the age group 21-30 years, and 43% had monthly family income up to Tk. 10000. Of 41% burn occurring at home, majority 27% occurred during rice cooking, affecting the upper limb in 29% cases. Social dislocation was the major phenomena leading to burn injury in 22.86% of the patients. Lack of harmonious relationship and in-laws poking in conjugal life sometime led to deliberate infliction of burn.
 Conclusion: The study concluded with the suggestions for prevention of neoteric entry in the domain of post-traumatic stress disorder through social movement and psychotherapy of burn patients. Study also hinted for further probing of the phenomenon of the disorder.
 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.15 (1) 2019: 27-31

The Estimation of Blood Paramagnetic Center Changes during Burns Management with Biodegradable Propolis-Nanofiber Dressing.

The evolution of the paramagnetic center system in blood during the healing of skin burn wounds dressed with a biodegradable apitherapeutic nanofiber dressing was examined. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in paramagnetic centers in blood during the influence of apitherapeutic nanofiber dressings on the healing process. The blood samples were tested before burn infliction (day 0) and, respectively, on the 10th and 21st days of the experiment. Paramagnetic centers in the blood of the pig used as the model animal were examined with an X-band (9.3 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The EPR spectra were measured with Bruker spectrometer at 230 K with a modulation frequency of 100 kHz. The EPR lines of the high spin Fe3+ in methemoglobin, high spin Fe3+ in transferrin, Cu2+ in ceruloplasmin, and free radicals were observed in the multicomponent spectra of blood. For the application of the apitherapeutic nanofiber dressing, the amplitudes of the EPR signals of Fe3+ in methemoglobin were similar up to 10 days. For the experiment with the apitherapeutic formulation, the heights of EPR signals of Fe3+ in transferrin were lower after 10 days and 21 days of therapy, compared to day 0. For the application of the apitherapeutic formulation the signals of Cu2+ in ceruloplasmin and free radicals, strongly decreased after 10 days of therapy, and after 21 days it increased to the initial values characteristic for day 0. The apitherapeutic formulation caused that after 21 days the EPR spectrum of Cu2+ in ceruloplasmin and free radicals was considerably high. The apitherapeutic formulation interaction after 10 days and after 21 days of therapy resulted in the low EPR lines of Fe3+ in methemoglobin. EPR spectra of blood may be useful for presentation of the changes in its paramagnetic centers during the healing process of the burn wounds.

Role of Autophagy Biomarkers In Burn-Age Estimation and Progression.

Determination of time passed since burn injury in the living is critical in forensic science. Autophagy biomarkers and vitronectin can play an important role in determination of the age of burn injuries through their levels in the tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of autophagy biomarkers in dating burn injury and to correlate them with the histopathological effects of deep second-degree thermal burn. Fifty-four male rats were used in this study after infliction of second-degree thermal burns to their skin. Samples were taken from them after 30 minutes and one, four, 24, 48, and 72 hours following burn to be examined histologically and also for autophagy biomarkers and vitronectin. Significant reduction in the autophagy biomarkers (p < 0.001) over the first 24 hours then began to increase but still not reach the normal level up to 72 hours after burn. Vitronectin level increased after burn infliction 1.5-fold after first hour, then up to four-fold after four hours and after that began to decline but still did not reach the normal level up to 72 hours. Autophagy biomarkers can be used as a forensic tool in determination of the time passed since burn infliction in living.

Therapeutic Intervention of Aloe Gel Containing Nano-Sized and Micron-Sized Silver Sulfadiazine Gel on Second-Degree Burn: A Comparative Study

The current work focuses on the formulation development, optimization, and in vivo assessment of nano-sized silver sulfadiazine ( nSSD) and micron-sized silver sulfadiazine ( mSSD) topical gel composed of Aloe vera gel ( Aloe gel) and Carbopol 940 for the management of second-degree burn wound. The optimized concentration of gel-forming agent (Carbopol 940) was chosen based on best possible consistency and spreadability of the gel. The second-degree burn infliction was developed in the posterior region of rats followed by anesthesia. Afterward, the created wounds were further treated individually by both the gel formulation (1 application daily) for 14 days and observations were recorded. The nSSD gel showed better wound healing and a higher degree of tissue hyperplasia as compared with mSSD gel in rats. In vitro drug release study showed better drug release from nSSD gel (74.25 ± 3.331%) as compared with mSSD gel formulation (61.32 ± 2.112%) after 24 hours. The nSSD and mSSD topical gel-treated rats showed 95.63% and 78.75% wound healing after 14 days, while in the case of control group rats, 48.65% wound contraction was seen after 14 days. Furthermore, the histopathological study revealed that the nSSD gel was more efficient in controlling the wound infection and showed better wound healing as compared with mSSD gel formulation.

Matrix metalloproteinase functioning in case of esophagus acid burn

Despite the important role of Metalloproteinase (MMP) in β-cellular matrix remodeling there is clearly not enough data concerning the MMP proteolytic activity during first three weeks (early scar changes) of postoperative gastric ulcers. Thus the main aim of our work was the MMP, TIMP-1 and bFGF overall activity determination as well as their role in post-burn wound healing in case of the 2nd degree esophagus acid burn infliction. The greatest increase in the metalloproteinase activity and bFGF level was observed at 21st d of our experiment. In addition, the greatest increase in the TIMP-1 level in the esophageal mucosal was observed at 7th d after burn. These changes may be an evidence of chronic inflammatory processes and scar changes in rat esophagus after the EAB infliction.

A randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of liquid versus powdered recombinant human growth hormone in treating patients with severe burns.

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) promotes protein utilization and synthesis, and is widely used as a therapy to treat severe burns. The present randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of different forms of rhGH on patients with severe burns. A total of 29 adult severe burns patients were enrolled between February 2009 and November 2011, and randomly assigned to either treatment group (T, liquid rhGH) or control group (C, powder rhGH). From days 5 to 7 following the infliction of burns, both patient groups received rhGH at 0.067 mg/kg/d, once for 10 days. Median serum pre-albumin levels increased in both groups following treatment, the elevation from baseline was significantly higher in the T group on day 10 compared to the C group (88 mg/l vs. 65 mg/l, P=0.046). C-reactive protein, fasting plasma glucose and body weight decreased in both groups. Body weight was significantly lower in the T compared to the C group at baseline, Day 5 and Day 10 (P=0.046, P=0.018 and P=0.006, respectively), however the decrease from baseline levels were not significantly different. Wound healing time was similar between groups (P=0.270). In conclusion the early use of liquid rather than powder rhGH may be more beneficial for treating adult patients with severe burns.

Effectiveness of composition based on oxidized dextran in the treatment of grade IIIB skin burns.

Grade IIIB skin burns were treated with a composition based on oxidized dextran with a molecular weight of 40 kDa (oxidation of 7% glucose residues). On day 32 after burn infliction and from the start of the treatment, the area of skin defect in rats was 30% less than in the group without treatment and by 2.3 times less than in rats treated with panthenol. In rats treated with dextran-based composition or panthenol, the eschar was absent on day 21 after the start of the treatment; by day 32, we found cells of surface epithelium, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands above the scar tissue that were absent in untreated animals; in rats treated with the composition, their number was higher by 2.5 times than in animals treated with panthenol. Treatment with the composition increased volume density (by 2.5 times) and numerical density (by more than 3 times) of blood vessels in the wound and reduced signs of inflammation and fibroplastic activity of fibroblasts in comparison with the corresponding parameters in untreated animals or animals treated with panthenol.

Transdermal Nicotine Application Attenuates Cardiac Dysfunction after Severe Thermal Injury.

Background. Severe burn trauma leads to an immediate and strong inflammatory response inciting cardiac dysfunction that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine whether transdermal application of nicotine could influence the burn-induced cardiac dysfunction via its known immunomodulatory effects. Material and Methods. A standardized rat burn model was used in 35 male Sprague Dawley rats. The experimental animals were divided into a control group, a burn trauma group, a burn trauma group with additional nicotine treatment, and a sham group with five experimental animals per group. The latter two groups received nicotine administration. Using microtip catheterization, functional parameters of the heart were assessed 12 or 24 hours after infliction of burn trauma. Results. Burn trauma led to significantly decreased blood pressure (BP) values whereas nicotine administration normalized BP. As expected, burn trauma also induced a significant deterioration of myocardial contractility and relaxation parameters. After application of nicotine these adverse effects were attenuated. Conclusion. The present study showed that transdermal nicotine administration has normalizing effects on burn-induced myocardial dysfunction parameters. Further research is warranted to gain insight in molecular mechanisms and pathways and to evaluate potential treatment options in humans.

Creation of consistent burn wounds: a rat model.

BackgroundBurn infliction techniques are poorly described in rat models. An accurate study can only be achieved with wounds that are uniform in size and depth. We describe a simple reproducible method for creating consistent burn wounds in rats.MethodsTen male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and dorsum shaved. A 100 g cylindrical stainless-steel rod (1 cm diameter) was heated to 100℃ in boiling water. Temperature was monitored using a thermocouple. We performed two consecutive toe-pinch tests on different limbs to assess the depth of sedation. Burn infliction was limited to the loin. The skin was pulled upwards, away from the underlying viscera, creating a flat surface. The rod rested on its own weight for 5, 10, and 20 seconds at three different sites on each rat. Wounds were evaluated for size, morphology and depth.ResultsAverage wound size was 0.9957 cm2 (standard deviation [SD] 0.1845) (n=30). Wounds created with duration of 5 seconds were pale, with an indistinct margin of erythema. Wounds of 10 and 20 seconds were well-defined, uniformly brown with a rim of erythema. Average depths of tissue damage were 1.30 mm (SD 0.424), 2.35 mm (SD 0.071), and 2.60 mm (SD 0.283) for duration of 5, 10, 20 seconds respectively. Burn duration of 5 seconds resulted in full-thickness damage. Burn duration of 10 seconds and 20 seconds resulted in full-thickness damage, involving subjacent skeletal muscle.ConclusionsThis is a simple reproducible method for creating burn wounds consistent in size and depth in a rat burn model.

Effect of Oxidized Dextran on Reparative Regeneration of the Skin after Burn Injury

In adult Wistar rats, a 3B degree skin burn was modeled and treated by daily application of 5% aqueous solution of oxidized dextran (molecular weight of 60 kDa) on the wound surface. In animals treated with oxidized dextran, neutrophil count in the connective tissue adjacent to the wound increased by day 5 and then decreased by day 21 after burn infliction; proliferation of fibroblasts was observed later than in untreated animals, in whom inflammation run a subacute course. Oxidized dextran increased the content of macrophages in the wound and surrounding connective tissue from days 14 to 21 after burn infliction and promoted effective and complete healing of the skin defect. Regeneration was realized mainly due to proliferation of keratinocytes at the wound edges and was completed by 7 days earlier than in untreated animals, in whom the area of injury by day 21 decreased by only 2 times (vs. 10 times in treated rats).

Effect of Low-Level Treatment with an 80-Hz Pulsed Infrared Diode Laser on Mast-Cell Numbers and Degranulation in a Rat Model of Third-Degree Burn

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been reported to be capable of changing mast cell numbers and degranulation in experimental burns in rats. We conducted a study of the influence of LLLT on mast cells in a rat model of third-degree burn. In this study we divided 48 rats equally into two groups of 24 rats each. Third-degree burns were inflicted at three different locations on each rat in each group. The first burn site on rats in group I was treated with 890-nm pulsed laser, 75W peak, 80 Hz, 180 ns, average power 1mW, illuminated area 1 cm(2), 1 mW/cm(2), 856 sec, 0.924 J/cm(2). The second burn site on both groups of rats was treated with 0.2% nitrofurazone cream. Mast cell numbers and degranulation at each burn site on each group of rats were then assessed at 4, 8, 13, and 20 days after the infliction of burns. Analysis of variance on day 4 showed that the total numbers of mast cells were significantly lower at the laser-treated burn sites than at other burn sites on both groups of rats. On day 8 the total numbers of mast cells were again significantly lower at the laser-treated burn sites than at other burn sites, and on day 13, the numbers of both types 1 and 2 mast cells were significantly lower at the laser-treated burn sites than at other burn sites. We conclude that LLLT can significantly decrease total numbers of mast cells during the proliferation and remodeling phases of healing in a rat model of third-degree burn.

Does Pressure Matter in Creating Burns in a Porcine Model?

Multiple animal models of burn injury have been reported, and only some of these have been fully validated. One of the most popular approaches is burn infliction by direct contact with the heat source. Previous investigators have reported that the pressure of application of the contact burn infliction device does not affect the depth of injury. We hypothesized that the depth of injury would increase with increasing pressure of application in a porcine burn model. Forty mid-dermal contact burns measuring 25 x 25 mm were created on the back and flanks of an anesthetized domestic pig (50 kg) using a brass bar preheated in 80 degrees C water for a period of 30 or 20 seconds. The bars were applied using a spring-loaded device designed to control the amount of pressure applied to the skin. The pressures applied by the brass bar were gravity (0.2 kg), 2.0, 2.7, 3.8, and 4.5 kg in replicates of eight. One hour later, 8-mm full-thickness biopsies were obtained for histologic analysis using Elastic Van Gieson staining by a board-certified dermatopathologist masked to burn conditions. The depth of complete and partial collagen injury was measured from the level of the basement membrane using a microscopic micrometer measuring lens. Groups were compared with analysis of variance (ANOVA). The association between depth of injury and pressure was determined with Pearson correlations. The mean (95% confidence interval) depths of complete collagen injury with 30-second exposures were as follows: gravity only, 0.51 (0.39-0.66) mm; 2.0 kg, 0.72 (0.55-0.88) mm; 2.7 kg, 0.68 (0.55-1.00) mm; 3.8 kg, 0.92 (0.80-1.00) mm; and 4.5 kg, 1.65 (1.55-1.75) mm. The differences in depth of injury between the various pressure groups were significant (ANOVA, P < .001). The mean (95% confidence interval) depths of partial collagen injury were as follows: gravity only, 1.10 (0.92-1.30) mm; 2.0 kg, 1.46 (1.28-1.63) mm; 2.7 kg, 1.51 (1.34-1.64) mm; 3.8 kg, 1.82 (1.71-1.94) mm; and 4.5 kg, 2.50 (2.39-2.62) mm; and ANOVA, P = .001. The associations between pressure of application and depth of complete and partial collagen injury were 0.73 (P < .001) and 0.65 (P < .001), respectively. There is a direct association between the pressure of burn device application and depth of injury. Future studies should standardize and specify the amount of pressure applied using the burn infliction device.

Development of a Novel Animal Burn Model Using Radiant Heat in Rats and Swine

The objective was to develop a novel animal model of burns in rats and pigs. The model uses heat that is delivered via a radiant heater with an opening of 5 cm by 5 cm, set at 400 degrees C, for 20 seconds. An advantage of this model is that the heating source does not come into direct contact with the animal, and the heat dispersion surrounding its center is very constant. The device was evaluated in 40 rats and seven pigs. With rats, three to four burns were created on each rat, resulting in a burn covering a total body surface area of 30% to 50%. In pigs, 16 burns were created on each animal. In rats, infliction of burns resulted in mortality rates of 0%-50% depending on the size of the burns and the rats. In pigs, the burns reepithelialized within approximately 3 weeks and resulted in hourglass contracted scars in two of three burns within 1 month. The authors describe a novel animal burn model that utilizes radiant heat to create consistent burns that maximizes safety to the investigators and animals.

Polychromatic LED Therapy in Burn Healing of Non-diabetic and Diabetic Rats

We determined the effect of polychromatic light-emitting diodes (LED) in burn healing of non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. LEDs were used as the light source for phototherapy. The polychromatic LED is a cluster of 25 diodes emitting photons at wavelengths of 510-543, 594-599, 626-639, 640-670, and 842-879 nm with 272-mW output power. Age-matched, male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) were used. Streptozotocin (70 mg/kg) was used for diabetes induction. Rat weight, hyperglycemia, and glycosuria were monitored for the first 3 days and weekly thereafter. Rats were anesthetized and shaved after 1 week of diabetes. Burn areas of 1.5 +/-.03 cm2 were created using a metal rod pre-heated up to 600 degrees C that was applied for 2 sec. Diabetic and non-diabetic rats were randomized into the following treatment groups: control, 5, 10, 20, and 30 J/cm2. Light treatment commenced after burn infliction and was repeated three times per week. Burn areas were measured daily. Burn healing was impaired significantly during diabetes by -46.17%. Polychromatic LED treatment using 5, 10, 20, and 30 J/cm2 incident doses influenced healing by 6.85%, 4.93%, -4.18%, and -5.42% in the non-diabetic rats; and 73.87%, 76.77%, 60.92%, and 48.77% in the diabetic rats, relative to their controls, respectively. The effect of polychromatic LED in non-diabetic rats was insignificant; however, it simulated the trend of stimulation and inhibition seen using low-level lasers. Significant stimulation observed in the diabetic rats demonstrated the usefulness of polychromatic LED in diabetic burn healing.

Direct current reduces accumulation of Evans Blue albumin in full-thickness burns.

Application of direct current (DC) to a burn wound limits extension of the zone-of-stasis and reduces wound tissue edema. To study the effects of DC on extravasation of plasma proteins after burn by using Evans blue (EB) as a marker of plasma albumin. Male Sprague-Dawley rats with 20% total body surface area full-thickness scalds (100 degrees C/10 sec) were used as the experimental model. Burn wounds were treated with plain nylon, silver-nylon, silver-nylon and 40 microA DC, or no dressing. EB (30 mg/kg) was injected immediately or at variably delayed postburn (PB) times and accompanied by DC application at various time intervals PB. Tissue content of Evans blue was assessed at different times after injection of the dye or infliction of burn injury. Evans blue albumin (EBA) concentration in untreated burn wounds (307.7 microg/g tissue) was nine times greater than in unburned skin (36.5 microg/g tissue) at 48 hours PB. When animals received a DC and EB injection immediately PB, DC treatment reduced EBA concentration by 60% at any time point PB. When EB was injected immediately PB, or at variably delayed times PB, accompanied by DC immediately PB, or at variably delayed times PB, DC reduced EBA accumulation at all examined times PB by more the 50% (p < 0.001). EBA and edema fluid accumulation in burn wound change in concert after injury and show similar response to DC treatment.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) for mustard gas burns

Mustard gas (MS) has been used in chemical warface since World War I. The blistering skin lesions are slow to heal. Secondary inflammation might occur, as well as damage to organs distant from the original wound. Presently there is no specific antidote for burns and poisoning by MS. This study examined treatment modalities with free oxygen radical scavengers, copper-zinc, and manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD), for MS skin burns in an experimental guinea pig model. Each of the SOD compounds reduced dramatically burn lesion area when administered intraperitoneally/intralesionally ( IP IL ) before wound infliction. The protective action of the SODs was also evident in the significantly higher histopathological score of biopsies obtained on day 7 from local tissue, caused with the lower dose of MS. When the SOD compounds were administered IP 1 hour after burn infliction, and repeated daily for 7 days, no protective effect could be detected under the present experimental conditions.