Histological and Histochemical Studies on Effects of Some Storage Solutions on Human Split Thickness Skin Grafts

Abstract

In order to improve short-term storing of skin grafts a new solution, Histocon, was tested. This solution has earlier been used as a transport medium for biopsies subjected to enzyme histochemical analyses. The capacities of Histocon, isotonic saline and a potassium-enriched Ringer solution to preserve the morphology, chemical components and enzyme proteins of the skin graft, were tested. All solutions were compared with fresh-frozen controls during the test period (2–21 days). With Histocon the morphology was identical with the fresh-frozen controls during the whole test period but both the other solutions produced increasingly marked changes after two days. A smaller loss of stainable chemical components was noted with Histocon than with the other solutions. The enzyme histochemical tests showed that Histocon did not visibly affect the hydrolytic enzyme activities while the other solutions rapidly decreased them. With Histocon, strong diaphorase activity was present for a longer period than that of the dehydrogenases.