11[beta]-HSD[subscript 2] activity in an equine distal limb and thoracic wound model

"December 2009"The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on January 5, 2010).Thesis advisor: David A. Wilson.MU: Access is limited to the campuses of the University of Missouri.M.S. University of Missouri-Columbia 2009.[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Healing of wounds located on the distal limbs of horses is often complicated by exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) causing a delay in wound epithelialization. Eleven [Beta]-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11[beta]-HSD2) has been implicated along with aldosterone in the formation of fibrosis in human cardiac patients and in equine endometrial fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 11[beta]-HSD2 activity in the formation of EGT in an equine distal limb and thoracic wound model. Five (6 cm2) full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsolateral aspect of each metacaparus (one bandaged and one unbandaged) and the lateral thoracic wall of 6 adult horses. Wound samples were taken at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 and were examined grossly and histologically. 11[beta]-HSD2 activity was assessed by a radiometric conversion assay. Unlike distal limb wounds, thoracic wounds contracted during the study. No difference was noted histologically between the distal limb wounds, while the thoracic wounds had more evidence of wound repair than distal limb wounds during weeks 2-4. No wounds developed EGT. 11[beta]-HSD2 activity was found in all wound samples. Thoracic and bandaged distal limb wounds had an initial decrease in 11[beta]-HSD2 activity. In unbandaged distal limb wounds, the 11[beta]-HSD2 activity did not decrease until week 6. This is evidence that 11[beta]-HSD2 plays a role in equine wound repair. Further defining its role may allow new treatments for the prevention of EGT.Includes bibliographical references