Healing Proliferation: a New Wicrocirculation Concept

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The response of the microcirculation of the skin and other tissues of the rats to burns is described. The microcirculatory changes were studied with both capillary microscopy and 3-dimensional silicone rubber casts. An apparently hithertofore unrecognized change which characteristically follows burns is described. Within 24-48 hr. after a burn there is a striking proliferation of microcirculatory vessels, including capillaries and apparently smaller arterioles and venules as well. This response reaches a maximum some 2-4 or 5 days after a burn and then gradually subsides over the next 2-3 weeks. The proliferation appears distinct from vasodilation or selective changes in flow patterns and does not seem to be clearly associated with granulation tissue. The area in which healing proliferation primarily occurs does not become scarred. These proliferated vessels do not contribute significantly to revascularization of the burn site and thus their function is presently obscure. Yet this is a characteristic response of healing tissues and one which seems to have direct significance in wound healing and potential importance in producing pathophysiological alterations in hemodynamics.