Influence of an Epidermal Cell Extract on Skin Healing and Scar Formation

The study investigated the effects of epidermal cell extracts (ECE) on skin healing and scar formation, using both in vivo and in vitro models. In pigs, ECE stimulated epidermal cell replication and migration, promoting hair growth while suppressing fibroblast proliferation, resulting in minimal scarring and reduced wound contraction. Clinical studies in horses and dogs supported these findings. In vitro, ECE selectively affected keratinocytes, suggesting its action might be limited to specific cell sub-populations or mediated by other cells. ECE also inhibited fibroblast activity, preventing collagen sponge contraction, indicating its significant role in regulating skin cell growth during healing.