Mucosal wound healing in a rabbit model of subglottic stenosis: biochemical analysis of secretions

OBJECTIVES: To build on work in laryngology and oral biology that suggests utility in the assay of secretions collected from wound sites as a predictive instrument to determine which infants will likely develop subglottic stenosis following endotracheal intubation and to document and describe the wound-healing process. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized design. INTERVENTION: Laser-induced subglottic injury was established in 3 rabbits. Secretions were collected from the subglottic region at 6 time points from days 4 to 21 following injury and from 4 uninjured control airways. The secretions were then subjected to enzyme-linked immunoassays for interleukin 1 beta and prostaglandin E2. SUBJECTS: Three adult New Zealand white rabbits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Interleukin 1 beta and prostaglandin E2 levels. RESULTS: Measurable amounts of both mediators were obtained. Furthermore, different temporal patterns of expression were observed with interleukin 1 beta, showing increased levels on days 4 to 18, and with prostaglandin E2, showing increased levels on days 7 to 18. These results concur with emerging data regarding the role of each mediator in the wound-healing process. CONCLUSION: Although in its infancy, the analysis of secretions collected from the site of injury in the subglottis may have utility in the management of patients following intubation-related trauma.