OBJECTIVETo compare the composite grafts of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) from different sources with autoskin.

METHODSSix local white mini pigs were employed for the experiment. The pigs were randomly divided into four groups according to different skin grafts, i.e. A (human ADM with razor thin autoskin), B (porcine ADM with razor thin autoskin), C (razor thin autoskin only), and D (split thickness autoskin) as control. The survival rate, the contraction degree of the grafts, and the histological changes in grafting area were observed at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after the operation.

RESULTSThe grafted area in both A and B groups appeared smooth and elastic with satisfactory graft survival. The in growth of the host reparative cells such as fibroblast and vascular endothelium could be induced by composite grafts of different ADMs with skin grafting. The contraction areas in A and B groups seemed bigger than those in C and D groups. The tissue structure of grafting areas was similar to that of split thickness skin grafting area at 24 post-operation weeks.

CONCLUSIONCombination of the homogenous and heterogeneous ADMs with autografts exhibited similar biological function during the observation period (24 weeks after operation). Xenogenous ADMs might have broader clinical applications.