Scientists
studying hibernation by black bears (Ursus americanus Pallas,
1780) were surprised to observe that hibernating
American black bears exhibit profound abilities in mounting inflammatory
responses to infection and/or foreign bodies. The bears resolve injuries during
hibernation while maintaining mildly hypothermic states (30–35 °C) and
without eating, drinking, urinating or defecating.
Usually even mildly hypothermic body or limb temperatures can retard healing
processes in mammals.
The
researchers induced small, full-thickness cutaneous wounds (biopsies or
incisions) during early denning, and re-biopsied sites 2–3 months later (near
the end of denning). Routine histological methods were used to characterize
these skin samples. All biopsied sites with respect to secondary intention (open
circular biopsies) and primary intention (sutured sites) healed, with evidence
of initial eschar (scab) formation, completeness of healed epidermis and dermal
layers, dyskeratosis (inclusion cysts), and abilities to produce hair follicles.
The
researchers say further research in to the
underlying mechanisms of wound healing during hibernation could have
applications in human medicine. They add that unique approaches may be found to
improve healing for malnourished, hypothermic, diabetic and elderly patients or
to reduce scarring associated with burns and traumatic injuries.
Journal reference
Wound healing during
hibernation by black bears (Ursus americanus) in the wild: elicitation of
reduced scar formation
Paul A. IAIZZo,Timothy G. LASKE,Henry J.
HARLOw,Carolyn B. McCLAy and David L. GARSHELIS
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