The role of hair follicle dermal sheath cells in rat skin wound healing:an experimental study

Objective:To investigate the role of hair follicle dermal sheath cells in rat skin wound healing.Methods:The vibrissa follicle dermal sheath cells of Wistar rats were cultured using the method of tissue adherence.The cultured dermal sheath cells labeled with BrdU were implanted into skin wounds in the left back of 22 Wistar rats.The other side of the rat back treated with normal saline served as control.The rats were euthanized 3,7,14 days,and 1,2 months after implantation.The wound contraction rate was evaluated by image analysis.The implanted cells were observed by immunohistochemical examination.The process of wound healing was estimated by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Results:After operation,the wound contraction rate of the implanted group was significantly higher than that of control group(P0.01).Seven days after operation,implanted cells were found in granulation tissues hyperdispersively.After 14 days,labeled cells were reduced in healing tissues and showed apoptosis.The results of pathological studies showed that the implanted group healed faster than the control group,involving granulation tissue formation,epidermis regeneration,collagen deposition and tissue reconstruction.Conclusion:Hair follicle dermal sheath cells can form granulation tissues,accelerate wound contraction and promote healing in skin wound.