Assessing wound closure in mice using skin-punch biopsy

Abstract

Defects in myofibroblast function may cause wound healing defects in a variety of tissue types. Here we describe a simple skin-punch biopsy approach to screen mouse models for defects in wound closure that does not require extensive surgical training or expensive equipment. Experimental results may serve as an initial proof of concept to determine whether further investigation is necessary or if defects in myofibroblast function observed in other systems also result in reduced skin wound healing.

Keywords: Cell Biology; Model Organisms; Signal Transduction.

Graphical abstract

Figure 1

Performing the skin punch biopsy with a sterile disposable biopsy punch (A) Apply pressure lateral to the spine on the mouse with a sterile disposable biopsy punch. (B) With pressure, twist the sterile disposable biopsy punch clockwise and counterclockwise until you feel that the biopsy punch has punctured the skin.

Figure 2

Measuring biopsy wounds in mice (A) Schematic demonstrating measurement of the longest point spanning the length of the wound using digital calipers. (B) Schematic demonstrating measurement of the height of the wound using digital calipers.

Figure 3

Photographs of skin wound closure in a wild-type mouse on days 0–7 post biopsy Using a 6 mm dermal punch, wild-type mice were injured on the dorsal side. The wounds were measured daily for one week. Wound healing progression was quantified, graphed, and compared. By 7 days post-surgery, the wound is nearly healed (see troubleshooting problem 4).

Figure 4

Male and female mice have different rates of wound healing Wild-type female mice have significantly faster wound closure than wild-type male mice on post-surgery days 4 and 5. ∗p < 0.05 vs Wt Male.

Figure 5

Estimated growth curves for % wound closure in female and male mice Up to 4 days post-surgery, female mice exhibited faster rate of change in % wound closure than male mice. After 4 days, the rate of change was faster in male mice than in female mice