Vascular Injury Due to Cold. Effects of Rapid Rewarming
Abstract
In experimental frostbite, more severe injury is seen in slowly thawed tissues than in rapidly thawed tissues frozen for the same length of time. The extent of healing which follows a given exposure time depends upon the manner of thawing, the area sectioned, and the duration of freezing. The most striking histologic differences between slow- and rapid-thawed tissues occur in the endothelium, internal elastic lamina and media. Following slow thawing, the endothelial cells are almost completely shed into the lumen. The internal elastic lamina is disrupted and, as early as one hour after exposure, exhibits areas of decreased stainability. The medial muscle cells are distorted and twisted. The media progressively loses its normal architecture so that the end picture is that of liquefaction necrosis. Following rapid thawing, the endothelial cells remain attached to the intima. Three days after exposure, these cells are hyperchromatic and actively proliferating and the media contains numerous hyperchromatic cells. By six days, intimal proliferation is readily apparent and the internal elastic lamina of rapidly thawed arteries remains intact and demonstrates only occasional areas of loss of stainability. The medial muscle cells are much less distorted and twisted. In comparison to slow- thawed tissues, the initial injury appears less severe, and repair is initiated earlier and is more complete. This is not without complications, however, in that reactive intimal proliferation appears to progress to partial or total occlusion of the involved vessels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0740979
Entities
People
- Ester Hardenbergh
- Harry M. Carpenter
- Lloyd A. Hurley
- R. B. Williams
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center