The effect of full-thickness skin grafts on the actomyosin content of contracting wounds

In evaluating the myofibroblast theory of wound contraction, comparisons were made between grafted and nongrafted 15-day wounds. Pregnant rabbit uteri and normal rabbit skin were used as controls. Small amounts of actin and myosin were present in contracting open wounds but not in noncontracting grafted wounds, which suggests some participation for contractile proteins in wound contraction. The current study refutes the widely accepted contention that wound granulation tissue is as rich as smooth muscle in its contractile protein content.

Use of a miniaturized detector in facial bone scanning

A high resolution cadmium telluride probe was used in conjunction with standard bone imaging methods in two cases of facial asymmetry. The probe improved localization of the abnormalities and led to rational treatment.

Biological basis for vestibuloplasty procedures

There may be two distinct processes in the healing of open wounds, particularly of vestibuloplasty wounds. The first is the active process of contraction which is limited by grafting. The second is remodeling and includes the subgraft, graft, and changes in peripheral tissue (maturation). The perioral musculature may have an influence on the vestibuloplasty wound and this may explain loss in the vestibular depth. The biology of open wounds is discussed in terms of vestibuloplasty wounds.

Photooxidation of hog pancreatic alpha amylase

The findings suggest that histidine is present at the "active site" of hog pancreatic a amylase. The functions of α and β amylase are explained.