Dermatology

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Model

Induced by topical application of a hapten (e.g., DNFB, Oxazolone) on sensitized mouse ears or shaved skin, modeling T-cell mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Psoriasis Model

• Imiquimod-Induced Model: Topical application of the TLR7/8 agonist Imiquimod on mouse skin induces psoriasiform inflammation, keratinocyte hyperproliferation, and scale formation.
• Genetic Models: e.g., *K14-AREG* transgenic mice.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Model

• MC903-Induced Model: Topical application of the vitamin D3 analog calcipotriol (MC903) induces robust AD-like inflammation.
• DNFB/Oxazolone Chronic Challenge: Repeated epicutaneous challenge after sensitization.

Acne Model

• Testosterone-Induced Model: Injected testosterone in rats to stimulate sebaceous gland hyperplasia.
• Human Sebocyte/Xenotransplantation Models: Grafting of human sebaceous glands onto immunodeficient mice, often with C. acnes injection.

Vitiligo Model

• Chemical Depigmentation: Topical monobenzone application.
• Autoimmune Models: e.g., Smyth line chickens or adoptive transfer of melanocyte-specific T cells.

Infectious Skin Disease Model

Induced by topical or subcutaneous inoculation of pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans) on abraded skin.

Skin Cancer Model

• Chemical Carcinogenesis: Two-stage protocol using a initiator (DMBA) and a promoter (TPA).
• UV-Induced Carcinogenesis: Chronic exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
• Xenograft: Implantation of human melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Androgenetic Alopecia Model

• Testosterone/ Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Implantation in mice.
• Genetic Models: e.g., Androgen receptor transgenic mice.

Skin Incision Model

A simple, reproducible full-thickness linear incision on the dorsum, sutured or unsutured, to study early wound healing and tensile strength.

Full-Thickness Excisional Wound Model

Creation of a standardized circular full-thickness skin defect on the dorsum. Often used as a critical-sized defect to study wound contraction, re-epithelialization, and granulation tissue formation.

Infected Cutaneous Wound Model

The excisional wound is inoculated with a specific bacterial strain (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus) to study infected wound healing and antimicrobial efficacy.

Pressure Ulcer Model

Induced by placing magnets on opposite sides of a skin fold and applying a repetitive pressure-force, or by ischemic compression using a customized device, to model decubitus ulcer formation.

Scald Burn Model

Created by exposing a defined area of shaved skin to hot water for a precise duration. Allows for controlled depth of injury.

Contact Burn Model

Using a pre-heated brass or copper bar applied to the skin with a standardized weight and time to create a uniform burn.

Burn Depth Models

• Superficial Second-Degree Burn: A scald or contact burn that damages the epidermis and superficial dermis, typically blistering and healing with minimal scarring.
• Deep Second-Degree Burn: A more severe injury extending into the reticular dermis, often requiring grafting.
• Third-Degree Burn: A full-thickness injury destroying the entire epidermis and dermis, characterized by an eschar and requiring surgical intervention.

Frostbite Model

Induced by applying a metal probe cooled with liquid nitrogen or a dry ice/alcohol mixture to the skin for a set time, modeling cold-induced tissue necrosis.

Skin Grafting Model

• Autografting (graft from the same animal)

• Allografting (graft between genetically different animals of the same species)

• Xenografting (graft from a different species)

Ear Hyperplastic Scar Model

A full-thickness wound on the rabbit ear that heals with a raised, hypercellular scar due to the absence of wound contraction.