The Vascularization of a Free Full Thickness Skin Graft: I.A Vital Microscopic Study

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Abstract
In a full-thickness scrotal autograft transplanted to a rabbit's ear inside a transparent ear chamber, the following events were observed through a high resolution vital microscope: 1. To and fro circulation of plasma and red blood cells around the graft and sometimes of donor area blood contained within the preexisting vessels of the graft begins immediately after the graft is laid in place. 2. Slow irregular circulation of blood from the recipient bed begins in the graft, 24 to 48 hours after grafting. 3. Circulation first develops inside the preexisting vessels of the graft. 4. Moderate vascular proliferation starts shortly after circulation begins. In this study, it appeared to originate from preexisting graft vessels. 5. Modification of the preexisting vascular pattern of the graft takes place after circulation begins. It is presumably due to the new blood flow characteristics which depend largely on the circulation in the recipient bed and on the recipient bed to graft connections. 6. Graft epidermal cell vacuolization and swelling occur during the first 24 hours after grafting and then gradually disappear as the damaged cells degenerate and new epidermal cells are formed. Epidermal hypertrophy may result from anoxic irritation.