Microvascular remodeling following skin injury

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe possible remodeling (i.e., dilatation and elongation) of papillary capillaries induced by increased oxygen demand for the repair process following a skin wound. METHODS: Computer‐assisted video microscopy was used to examine 10 healthy volunteers before (baseline) and after (≈1 h and ≈24 h) an incision (5 mm long and 1 mm deep) on the forearm, 0–1 mm and 30 mm (control site) from the incision. We defined categories from 0 (low) to 3 (high) to grade dilatation and elongation of the nutritive papillary capillaries, as well as the visibility of the superficial vascular plexus. Approximately 10 000 capillaries from 200 films were scored. RESULTS: The nutritive papillary capillaries were dilated and elongated (p < 0.01) after ≈24 h; that is, elongation (score 1.9 ± 0.9) vs baseline (score 0.9 ± 0.6), p < 0.01 and dilatation (score 2.2 ± 0.7) vs baseline (score 0.3 ± 0.3), p < 0.01. Superficial plexus visibility increased (p < 0.01) after ≈1 h (score 2.0 ± 0.7) and ≈24 h (score 2.7 ± 0.3) vs baseline (score 0.8 ± 0.4). CONCLUSION: The superficial vascular skin plexus showed enhanced visibility already ≈1 h after the skin trauma. Morphological remodeling in the nutritive papillary capillaries—dilatation and elongation after ≈24 h—facilitate increased O(2) supply.