An optimized animal model for partial and total skin thickness burns studies

purpose: development of an improved animal model for studying skin burns in rats. methods: twenty-four male wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): g1-control, g2- t100°c, g3-t150°c and g4-t200°c. two 10 x 10 mm squares were outlined with a sterile surgical marker on each side and along the vertebral column using a prepared template positioned between the anterior and posterior limbs. g2-g4 rats were subjected to 100°c, 150°c and 200oc thermal burns, respectively. g1 rats served as controls. burns were inflicted by applying a copper plate connected to an electronic temperature controlling device to the dorsal skin of anesthetized rats. four burns were produced on each animal (total area: 4 cm2/animal) leaving about 1 cm of undamaged skin between burn areas. analgesia was administered during 24 h after burn injury by adding 30 mg codeine phosphate hemihydrate to 500 ml tap water. results: the application of 100°c and 150oc resulted in partial thickness skin burns with central reepithelialization of the burned area only at 100°c. in g4 group the whole thickness of the skin was injured without central reepithelialization. however, there was marginal reepithelialization in all groups. conclusion: the model studied is inexpensive and easily reproducible, enabling the achievement of controlled burns with partial or total impairment of the skin in experimental animals.