Studies of the Origin of the Vasculature in Free Skin Grafts

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Hamster cheek pouches were removed and portions of their walls transplanted as free "skin" grafts. The intrinsic blood vessels were easily studied through this transparent skin although the blood vessels filled at once, no flow was noted before the 4th to 5th day. The blood vessel patterns in the healed isografts were identical to the original graft vessels. When these vessels were blocked by injections of Silicone rubber, the grafts became necrotic. Evidently the intrinsic vessels of the graft are reutilized and are necessary for its survival.