The dorsal skinfold chamber as Tympanic membrane model

Tympanic membrane perforations (TMP) are a common complication of trauma and infection. Persisting TMP result from the unique location of the tympanic membrane: The wound is surrounded by air of the middle ear and the external auditory channel. The inadequate wound bed, growth factor- and blood supply leads to circular epithelialization of the perforation’s edge and premature interruption of wound closure. Recent progress in bioactive wound dressings has not been transferred to this unique wound setup, because current orthotopic models lack repetitive visualization of the biomaterial-wound interface.

Here, we present a novel application for the mice dorsal skinfold chamber with an epithelialized defect as TMP model. The dorsal skinfold was perforated using a 2 mm biopsy punch a) following preparation of the subcutaneous microvessels or b) through intact skin layers. In both groups the wound was sealed with a coverslip or left open. All animals were examined for epithelialization of the edge (histology), wound contraction (planimetry), neovascularization and inflammation (repetitive intravital microscopy). The edge of the perforation was overgrown by epithelium in all preparations. Microsurgical preparation enabled high quality intravital fluorescence microscopy. However, spontaneous wound contraction occurred frequently. Therefore, perforation through both intact skin layers was favourable: The visualisation of the neovascularization and inflammation was sufficient and spontaneous wound contraction was marginal.

The dorsal skinfold chamber is a valuable supplement to orthotopic models. Using established analysis procedures, this model enables screening of bioactive materials and the transfer of progress in tissue engineering to the special conditions of TMP wound healing.

Poster-PDF A-1724.pdf

Conflict of interest

Der Erstautor gibt keinen Interessenskonflikt an.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021