Actin filaments in normal dermis and during wound healing.

During wound healing, it has been suggested, modified fibroblasts rich in actin filaments are responsible for wound contraction. With the use of specific fluorescent probe (NBD-phallacidin), the distribution of actin filaments are compared in normal dermis and in several wound contraction models, including open and burn wounds and full and thin-thickness skin autografts. Fibroblasts of normal dermis are slightly stained with NBD-phallacidin. Fibroblasts with actin filaments are increased in autografts, particularly at Days 15 and 21 after grafting, and are prominent in open and burn wounds. The wound contraction rate is not directly related to the presence of actin-staining fibroblasts. After stabilization of the contraction of open or burn wounds, fibroblasts rich in actin filaments remain. The superficial layer of full-thickness skin graft contains a similar actin distribution without concomitant contraction. It is concluded that the distribution of actin-rich fibroblasts corresponds morphologically to previous areas of necrosis or injury.