Implication of basement membrane development on the underlying scar in partial-thickness burn injury.

There is increasing evidence from the scientific literature that the developing epithelial basement membrane has the potential to influence the underlying dermis. The most rapidly dividing and active cell within the skin complex is the basal cell of the epidermis. The basal cell is well known to produce numerous protein factors which influence cellular growth and differentiation. The underlying dermal fibroblasts, by comparison, are relatively static. The concept that basal cells have an influence on the dermal and overall skin environment via the extracellular expression of proteins in the extracellular matrix, is gaining increased interest. A hypertrophic scar is a dermal phenomenon resulting from an imbalance in collagen production and maturation. Although the collagen is produced by the fibroblast, the extracellular matrix is an area where the epidermal cells have a potential influence. It is therefore the purpose of this paper to explore the idea that the cultured epithelial autograft may have an influence on the quality of scarring.