The Goettingen minipig as an experimental model in wound-healing studies

BackgroundDeep dermal wounds in extensive burns and chronic wound healing disorders represent a significant medical problem and require a high level of therapy in order to reduce the risk of infection and other long-term consequences such as amputation. The necessity for a better understanding of wound healing processes is essential, and animal models are indispensable to fundamental research.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to provide a transparent protocol and to prove the effectiveness of an in vivo porcine model, using Goettingen minipigs, for wound healing studies.Material and methodsThirteen female Goettingen minipigs were kept in species-appropriate housing and were treated according to the German Law for the protection of animals. The study was performed with permission from the local ethical review committee for animal welfare. The experimental procedure for studying dermal regeneration in 102 full-thickness wounds, by means of clinical observation and histological analysis with a particular focus on neodermal formation, is described in detail.ResultsThe Goettingen minipig model proved to be suitable in wound healing studies. The dermal regeneration was clearly evident and viewable without wound contamination or any rejection reaction. The histological evaluations were also reliable and clearly presented the optimized wound healing of deep dermal wounds by the different therapeutic approaches.ConclusionIn view of the great clinical need for alternative or complementary therapies, we considered the Goettingen minipig trial to be a reliable, ethically justifiable, effective, and reproducible in vivo model for wound healing studies.