SUCTION BLISTER DEVICE FOR SEPARATION OF VIABLE EPIDERMIS FROM DERMIS

[摘要] Dermo-epidermal separation by application of suction on normal human skin was accomplished. Subepidermal blisters are regularly raised when low suction pressures are maintained for sufficiently extended periods. Previously used suction cups were all designed for other purposes and caused difficulties in consistent production of suction blisters in a minimally traumatic and standard way. By construction of a special device, standard suction blisters of preselected size and number can be raised on human skin without discomfort in about 2 hr, by a suction of 150 mm Hg. The blister roof consists of viable, full-thickness epidermis; the clear fluid is a non-inflammatory transudate, and there is no resultant scarring. By this suction device it is also possible to separate the epidermis from corpse skin and certain furry animals, as well as the stratified epithelium of buccal mucosa. The suction separated epidermis should be useful for tissue culture and biochemical analyses. Some other uses of the suction blister method are suggested.