Comparative analysis of the skin structure of experimental animals under different types of energy exposure

Abstract

Nevi are mostly benign pigmented formations, which, however, in some cases, for some reason, may be subject to malignant transformation. Indications for the removal of nevi of different sizes in general are cosmetic causes, constant irritation of tumors, localization of pigmented nevi in anatomical areas that are difficult to self-control, the presence of nevi particularly prone to malignancy.

The aim is to evaluate, by means of an experimental study, the morphological state and composition of skin tissues in the edges, the bottom of the wound, depending on the nature of the influence of mechanical and energy factors, in order to further determine the tactics of treating nevi in children.

Materials and methods. The choice of guinea pigs as experimental animals, weighing 350–400 g and aged 6–8 weeks, was due to the fact that in mammals of this species the morphological structure of the skin is very close to the structure of human skin, including the structure and location of melanocyte cells. Skin biopsy was taken in two symmetrical relative to the spine areas. After excision of skin biopsies, all animals were kept in individual cages in vivarium, and after 24 hours were divided into 3 groups of 5 individuals each, depending on the method of sampling for further histological examination: group I (n=5) – excision the formation took place in a acute way, with the help of a scalpel; group II (n=5) – excision of the formation was performed using a high-intensity surgical laser «LIKA-surgeon» (output power – 10 W, wavelength – 940 nm); group III (n=5) – excision of the formation using a high-frequency electrosurgical device «BOWA-ARC 350».

Results. The most pronounced morphological and morphometric changes in the tissues of skin biopsies in all terms of the study were determined in animals of the III experimental group, and the minimum in the I group of experimental animals.

Conclusions. Morphological and morphometric studies of skin biopsies of experimental animals with different methods of excision convincingly determined that at all stages of the experiment, minimal tissue damage was inherent in the group of animals in which excision was performed with a scalpel, and maximum pathomorphological changes were observed in biopsy with a monopolar coagulator.

When carrying out experiments with laboratory animals, all bioethical norms and recommendations were observed.

No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.