E-cadherin expression in wound healing of mouse skin

BACKGROUND: E-cadherin has been studied extensively in other systems but little attention has been paid to its role in wound healing. We investigated E-cadherin expression in epithelial wound healing in vivo by focusing on the migrating cells in the epithelial tongue and the mitotic cells in the non-injured side apart from the original wound edge. METHODS: Round full-thickness excisional wounds (6 mm in diameter) and full-thickness incisional wounds were prepared dorsally in mice. On various days after the operation, E-cadherin expression was examined by immunohistochemical staining using a monoclonal antibody specific for E-cadherin. RESULTS: In both models, the level of E-cadherin expression did not decrease on the 1st postoperative (P.O.) day. After the 2nd P.O. day, E-cadherin expression decreased in cells at a site 500 microm apart from the original wound edge. After the 3rd P.O. day, decreased expression was also observed in cells at the top and in the basal layer of the epithelial tongue. This decreased expression continued for 1 or 2 days after the meeting of the epithelial tongue. There was no significant difference in the expression of E-cadherin between two models. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that E-cadherin expression decreases in epithelial cells. This decrease may depend on the activity of migration and mitosis. In addition, the change was similar in both the excisional and incisional wounds.